Myanmar Earthquake Humanitarian Response

The Xavier Network is supporting the Jesuits in Myanmar as they provide immediate relief to communities devastated by the recent earthquakes. With strong ties to affected areas and long-standing relationships with local communities, the Jesuits are working hard to address immediate needs and will continue to accompany those most impacted for months and years to come. Jesuit mission offices and development NGOs, which are members of the Xavier Network, are mobilizing support for these efforts.

On 28 March, Myanmar was struck by two consecutive earthquakes. The main shock, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake at a depth of 10 km, was followed 12 minutes later by a magnitude 6.4 aftershock. Both quakes had epicentres near the cities of Mandalay and Sagaing. It is estimated that more than 17.2 million people across 58 of Myanmar’s 330 townships have been affected, with over 9.1 million exposed to the strongest tremors. According to publicly available data, over 3,500 people have died, nearly 5,000 have been injured, and more than 200 remain missing nationwide.

Entire communities have been devastated. Many people are now living in makeshift shelters, markets have been disrupted, and essential services—including access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare—are on the brink of collapse. Immediate needs include food, safe drinking water, healthcare, cash assistance, and emergency shelter.

Those left homeless by the earthquakes are facing extreme heat during Myanmar’s hottest and driest month, while early rains have already begun in Mandalay—posing an added threat to those living outdoors. Rainfall on 5 April in Mandalay and Sagaing has hampered rescue and relief efforts, further worsening conditions for people who have lost their homes.

A Crisis on Top of a Crisis

Even before the earthquakes, Myanmar was already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis. An estimated 19.9 million people were in need of assistance due to ongoing conflict, displacement, economic hardship, and previous disasters—including floods in September 2024 that affected over 1 million people. Before the earthquakes struck, more than 3.5 million people had already been displaced from their homes, over 15 million were facing hunger, and protection concerns were escalating. The earthquakes have now deepened these urgent needs, putting even more lives at risk.

More than 1,800 schools have been affected by the earthquakes, suffering varying degrees of structural damage, with some completely destroyed. These include public schools, monastic institutions, and community-based learning centers. In several areas, school buildings are now serving as temporary shelters for displaced families.

It is estimated that 13,200 people require trauma care, with around 2,000 expected to have sustained severe injuries. So far, five health facilities have been confirmed destroyed, and 61 have been damaged. Urgent mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services are needed for individuals experiencing emotional and psychological distress, which is impairing their ability to function. Protection and MHPSS services must be expanded to reach vulnerable groups and ensure access to specialized care. Strengthening community, religious, and cultural support networks—such as spaces for mourning and healing—is also critical to help restore normalcy and support resilience through positive coping strategies.

As Xavier Network, we are united in responding to this crisis with compassion, urgency, and solidarity. In the face of such immense suffering and devastation, we reaffirm our commitment to accompanying the people of Myanmar during this time of profound need. Through our partners on the ground, we are mobilizing resources to deliver life-saving aid, support trauma healing, and help rebuild resilient communities. Guided by our mission and shared values, we stand in solidarity with all those affected—especially the most vulnerable—and pledge to continue walking alongside them with hope, care, and unwavering support.

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