Photo caption: UN-Habitat distributes food and nutrition supplies in Inle Township, Shan State, while conducting building damage assessments. The distribution provides essential support to communities affected by the earthquake, addressing their urgent needs during this critical time.

MYANMAR—April 11, 2025—In response to the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, UN-Habitat is actively involved in emergency response and support efforts, particularly in severely affected areas such as Inle Lake, Nyaung Shwe Township in Shan State.

The powerful earthquake, with its epicenter near Sagaing city—approximately 32 km from Mandalay—has caused widespread destruction across multiple regions, including Sagaing, Mandalay, Shwebo, Naypyitaw, and Meiktila. Preliminary estimates suggest that around 9.1 million people have been impacted, with extensive damage to infrastructure. More than 49,857 buildings have been affected, including critical facilities such as over 2,400 schools, 921 monastic schools, 394 religious buildings, and 193 healthcare facilities.

As of April 10, 2025, reports indicate a tragic loss of over 3,600 lives, with 5,000 people injured and 145 still missing. The situation has been further worsened by an initial tremor and a subsequent 6.6-magnitude aftershock, which have severely impacted essential infrastructure such as hospitals, roads, and airports.

Photo caption: Housing in Inle Lake was severely impacted by the recent earthquake. Previously, flooding caused by Cyclone Yagi had already contaminated the lake water, making it undrinkable. Now, with the added damage from the earthquake, the situation has worsened, and there is an urgent need for access to clean and safe drinking water in this popular tourist area.

Immediate Response in Inle Lake

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, the UN-Habitat Taunggyi and Kalaw Team quickly visited Inle Lake in Nyaung Shwe Township, Shan State, which has been identified as one of the most severely impacted areas. Initial observations revealed extensive damage to homes within the unique floating communities of Inle Lake. The damage was categorized into three main types:

• Complete Collapse: Many houses have been completely destroyed. The devastation is overwhelming, leaving families to search for shelter and support. Communities are uniting in the aftermath to offer assistance and reconstruct the destroyed areas.
• Partial Damage with Temporary Shelters: Some residents are living beside their collapsed homes in makeshift shelters.
• Shelter on Boats and Fields: Others are seeking refuge on boats with temporary roofing or in makeshift shelters set up in their tomato fields on the lake. Despite the challenging conditions, communities are coming together to support one another, sharing resources and providing assistance wherever they can. Volunteers are distributing food and water, while local organizations are working tirelessly to establish more permanent housing solutions for those affected.

Photo caption: Houses in Inle Lake, Nyaung Shwe Township, Shan State, collapsed and sank underwater due to the recent earthquake. The disaster has severely impacted the floating communities, leaving many families displaced and in urgent need of support.

Providing Essential Relief

In response to the urgent needs of the affected communities, UN-Habitat, in coordination with local partners and volunteers, carried out rapid needs assessments and building damage evaluations. With the contribution of the Sathya Sai Global Council, UN-Habitat distributed critical relief items including instant noodles, instant cereal, canned tuna, protein biscuits, drinking water, and women’s sanitation pads to help earthquake affected families regain a sense of stability in these difficult times.

Beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for the support, extending heartfelt thanks to the donors and offering prayers for their continued well-being and generosity.

Photo caption: Food, water, and essential non-food items (NFIs) were delivered to communities in Inle Lake, Shan State, as part of UN-Habitat’s emergency response. The distribution took place alongside rapid needs and building damage assessments to support those most affected by the earthquake.

Local Voices Call for Rebuilding Support

During the distribution of emergency aid, affected residents clearly expressed their most pressing needs, stating: “We want to rebuild our houses and urgently need both cash and in-kind support.” These heartfelt appeals highlight community priorities and will be essential in guiding long-term recovery efforts.

Photo caption: Food, water, and non-food items (NFIs) are distributed to affected communities in Inle Lake, Nyaung Shwe Township, Shan State, as part of the emergency response efforts.

Toward Resilient Recovery: “Build Back Better”

Looking ahead, UN-Habitat remains committed to supporting the long-term recovery and reconstruction process in close collaboration with key partners—the Myanmar Engineering Society (MES), international engineering professionals, the Myanmar Climate Action Network (M-CAN), the private sector, and other development stakeholders. Recovery efforts will focus on the following areas:

• Establishing a Knowledge Sharing Center: To facilitate the exchange of technical expertise and promote best practices in resilient reconstruction.
• Conducting Building Assessment Clinics: To carry out detailed evaluations of structural damage and guide safe rebuilding practices.
• Providing Surveying Equipment: To support accurate land assessments and effective reconstruction planning.
• Strengthening the Capacity of Local Engineers and Architects: To ensure that local technical expertise leads the rebuilding efforts, fostering sustainable and community-driven recovery.
• Creation of a Comprehensive Damage Assessment Report: To provide a detailed understanding of the extent of the damage and inform targeted interventions.
• Offering Actionable Recommendations: To guide the reconstruction process with practical solutions.
• Promoting Resilient Recovery by Emphasizing the “Build Back Better” (BBB) Approach: This key strategy focuses on strengthening urban planning regulations, enhancing building standards, and prioritizing support for the most vulnerable populations to prevent the emergence of informal settlements and build greater resilience to future disasters.

Photo caption: UN-Habitat distributes food and nutrition supplies in Inle Township, Shan State, while carrying out building damage assessments. This initiative delivers vital support to communities affected by the earthquake, helping to meet their immediate needs during this critical period.

UN-Habitat remains firmly committed to supporting the people of Myanmar on their path to recovery, ensuring that the rebuilding process not only meets immediate needs but also establishes a strong foundation for a more resilient and sustainable future.