MYANMAR—April 3, 2025—A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, affecting approximately 7 million people and causing widespread devastation across the Mandalay and Sagaing regions. As of the latest report on April 3, 2025, over 3,700 people have died, 3,200 have been injured, 70 are missing, and 500 have been rescued. The earthquake has severely damaged critical infrastructure, including hospitals, roads, and airports.

In response to the disaster, UN-Habitat has launched a rapid humanitarian operation to support affected communities. The agency’s emergency team arrived in Mandalay on the evening of April 1 and immediately began coordinating efforts with the Mandalay Disaster Response Network and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

On April 2, UN-Habitat participated in a multi-agency Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) alongside key partners, including OCHA, UNICEF, WHO, IOM, UNHCR, WFP, Plan International, CARE, and PUI. Leading one of the assessment teams, UN-Habitat focused on the heavily damaged Sigonegyi Camp in Sagaing, as well as other critical sites such as Sagaing BEHS 1 school, Min Lan Camp, Yan Naing Camp, DUHD Camp, and the Sagaing Compound.

Initial findings indicate that the Sagaing region has been more severely affected than Mandalay. “We’ve identified seven displacement camps in Sagaing, whereas in Mandalay, people are dispersed, living on the streets and near damaged buildings,” stated a UN-Habitat spokesperson. The most urgent need across the affected areas is food, particularly rice, oil, salt, and instant foods and instant noodles.

The assessment revealed challenging conditions for the displaced. While designated cooking areas in Sagaing’s camps and temples provide some relief, widespread power outages continue to affect the region. In Mandalay, the scattered distribution of displaced populations further complicates aid delivery efforts.

Response operations face significant logistical challenges. Unstable internet connectivity, forcing reliance on multiple SIM cards, hinders communication. Furthermore, local authorities have restricted access to certain areas, including damaged public buildings like schools and clinics. The closure of Mandalay’s main market, Zay Cho, has exacerbated supply issues, pushing communities towards smaller, local markets.

“We’ve had to utilize multiple SIM cards from different providers to maintain communication, as connectivity varies significantly by location,” the spokesperson elaborated. “Additionally, public spaces, including damaged schools and clinics, are restricted, complicating our response.”

To navigate these challenges and facilitate aid distribution, UN-Habitat is collaborating closely with the local NGO FLIDO, which maintains a strong operational presence in Sagaing. A market survey is also underway in Sagaing to assess the availability and pricing of essential goods, aiming to inform efficient procurement strategies.

The voices from the ground underscore the urgency. “We urgently need rice, oil, and salt,” pleaded a camp leader in Sigonegyi Camp, Sagaing. “Many of us also require medical support for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.”

Key challenges identified by the RNA include:

• Access Restrictions: Limited entry to damaged sites and public spaces by local authorities.
• Market Disruptions: Closure of the main market necessitates reliance on smaller vendors.
• Critical Needs: Urgent requirement for staple foods and medication for chronic illnesses.
• Infrastructure Issues: Power outages in Sagaing and inconsistent internet access.

Following the initial assessment, the response team returned to Mandalay for a coordination meeting at the UN Compound on April 2nd. Data entry from the RNA was completed, and UN-Habitat representatives visited the MCDC housing compound to directly engage with displaced individuals and understand their immediate concerns.

UN-Habitat is preparing a comprehensive update report based on the assessment findings and community feedback. The agency, in coordination with OCHA and other partners, remains fully committed to providing timely and effective humanitarian assistance to the earthquake-affected communities in central Myanmar’s Mandalay and Sagaing regions.