Public Statement: 2025 Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Response

Date: March 28, 2025

On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread devastation across multiple regions. The earthquake occurred along the Sagaing tectonic plate, shaking large portions of central and southern Myanmar and impacting densely populated areas. The destruction has been massive and far-reaching, with lives lost, infrastructure destroyed, and communities thrown into chaos.

According to local media, nearly 700 deaths and over 1700 injuries have been initially reported, though the true toll is likely much higher as access to the heavily damaged areas remains limited. Major transportation infrastructures, including bridges and sections of national highways, have collapsed and become unusable, further isolating affected communities and slowing emergency response efforts. 

As Chindwin Medical and Humanitarian Network (CMHN), we extend our deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones and property and we stand in solidarity with the survivors and frontline responders.

CMHN’s Emergency Focus: Mandalay and Sagaing Regions

While the earthquake has had a nationwide impact, Mandalay and Sagaing Regions have suffered some of the most concentrated and catastrophic damage. Entire neighborhoods have collapsed, fires have erupted in several locations, and overwhelmed hospitals are struggling to provide care amidst widespread panic and power outages.

Our Immediate Response Strategy

CMHN’s emergency response is concentrated in the Mandalay and Sagaing Regions, where the damage and casualties are especially severe, and where CMHN has long-standing local networks and trusted partners capable of rapid humanitarian response.

Sagaing Region – Field Implementation

• Direct deployment of medical and relief teams

• Operation of mobile health clinics, food and water distribution, and emergency shelter setup

• Community engagement through local leaders and volunteers

• Coordination of logistics, monitoring, and information flow from our Sagaing base

Mandalay Region – Remote Emergency Support

Due to critical security concerns, CMHN is not able to operate on the ground in Mandalay. Instead, we are:

• Working closely with trusted local partners and volunteers already active in the area

• Delivering emergency assistance through safe channels

• Providing remote supervision, telemedicine support, and psychosocial first aid

• Supporting local responders with training, funding, and digital tool

A Call to the International Community and Donors

In this moment of crisis, we urgently appeal to the international community, humanitarian organizations, and donors to support our responsive efforts.

Your support will help us:

• Procure and distribute life-saving medical supplies and food

• Sustain emergency field operations and remote medical interventions

• Reach to the vulnerable populations impacted by recent earthquake and collapsed infrastructure

• Provide shelter, trauma care, and psychosocial support to survivors

CMHN is a trusted and experienced frontline actor in Myanmar, with a strong local network and capacity to act fast, even in restricted zones. We welcome your support and solidarity. Together, we can prevent further loss of life and bring hope to thousands in urgent need.

To support or collaborate with CMHN:

Email:     contact@cmhn-mm.org
Website: www.cmhn-mm.org