Earthquake in Myanmar: More than 55,000 people assisted by HI after the disaster

A disaster with a heavy toll  

On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar. The epicenter was located near Sagaing, close to Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. The tremors caused numerous buildings to collapse, destroy infrastructure, and caused significant damage to transportation routes. The human toll was particularly heavy: more than 4,000 people lost their lives, and over 6,000 were injured. In the hardest-hit cities, particularly Mandalay, hospitals were quickly overwhelmed by the number of injured people requiring emergency care. 

Many survivors suffered from fractures, head injuries, spinal injuries, and more. Without prompt rehabilitation of care, these injuries risked causing permanent disabilities. In this context, people with disabilities were among the most vulnerable populations, facing difficulties in accessing care and humanitarian aid. 

Rehabilitation, emergency kit distribution and mental health: a multisector response 

Present in Myanmar during Nargis response in 2008 and continue presence since 2014, Humanity & Inclusion (HI) quickly mobilised its teams to respond to the disaster. In the first days following the earthquake, teams assessed the needs of affected populations, particularly in Mandalay and Sagaing, and structured their response around several priority areas. HI deployed emergency rehabilitation activities for injured people. 

The teams provided rehabilitation sessions using adapted exercises to help each person regain their independence and prevent long-term disabilities. They collaborated with Mandalay General Hospital and the Orthopedic Hospital, where many injured people were treated after the disaster. Mobile rehabilitation teams also visited temporary shelters and affected communities to support those unable to travel. In addition, to address the immediate needs of those affected by the disaster, HI also distributed assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, stretchers, and first-aid supplies. This equipment enabled many survivors to regain some mobility and move around despite their injuries. 

“As is often the case after earthquakes, beyond physical injuries, the disaster also caused severe psychological trauma. To support affected people, HI implemented mental health and psychosocial support activities, both individual and group based, in communities and temporary shelters. These actions helped survivors gradually regain a sense of safety and begin to rebuild their lives after the catastrophe,” explains Nishee Adhikari, HI Myanmar Country Director. 

HI also distributed emergency kits - including tents, blankets, tarpaulins, hand sanitizer and hygiene items - to improve living conditions for displaced families. In addition, financial assistance was provided to help households cover essential needs. 

Needs remain significant 

In response to this disaster, HI has assisted a total of 55,668 people, including 34,911 women and 20,749 men. Among them, 4,495 people with disabilities received tailored support. However, despite the progress made, the humanitarian situation remains very fragile. 

“We have accomplished significant work, but many families are still living in precarious conditions. Numerous infrastructures are still damaged, and difficulties in accessing healthcare, combined with increasingly fragile economic conditions, continue to severely affect communities. In some conflict affected areas, where people need help the most, humanitarian access remains very limited, we cannot reach everyone” adds Nishee Adhikari. 

Despite these major challenges, HI continues to implement activities in the Mandalay and Sagaing regions to ensure sustainable support for the most vulnerable populations.