What is the impact of the March 28 earthquake in Myanmar?
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Synopsis
The March 28 earthquake in Myanmar has left over 200,000 people homeless, with thousands injured and missing. As rescue operations unfold, international aid and assessment efforts are crucial for recovery. This article explores the devastating impact and ongoing responses to this natural disaster.
Key Takeaways
- Over 200,000 people displaced after the earthquake.
- Severe damage reported across 10 regions.
- Search and rescue operations ongoing.
- International aid is crucial for recovery.
- Temporary housing solutions are being implemented.
Yangon, April 27 (NationPress) Over 200,000 individuals have been forced to flee their homes following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit central Myanmar on March 28, as reported by the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC).
During the NDMC's third annual meeting on Friday in Nay Pyi Taw, the Committee's Chairman, Vice Senior General Soe Win, stated that the earthquake resulted in extensive damage across 10 states and regions, including Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, and Shan, as cited by the Xinhua news agency and local media.
The report indicated that 3,763 lives were lost, 5,107 individuals were injured, and 110 individuals remain unaccounted for as of Friday. In total, 629,206 people from 128,965 households have been directly impacted.
As of April 23, 48,656 displaced individuals have taken refuge in 135 rescue centers, while 159,239 others have relocated independently, according to the official daily, The Mirror.
Despite the disaster, over 421,000 residents have remained in their homes as they are still habitable, Soe Win noted.
Search and rescue operations, along with assessments of damages and recovery efforts, are ongoing in severely affected areas such as Sagaing, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw, he added.
The earthquake has destroyed or damaged more than 63,000 homes, 6,700 schools, 5,400 monasteries, 5,300 pagodas, and numerous other religious buildings, hospitals, bridges, roads, and dams, he mentioned.
International medical teams, comprising 337 foreign personnel, have established temporary hospitals in the most affected regions and are collaborating with local health professionals to provide care.
Soe Win mentioned that funds contributed by both local and international donors through the NDMC are being allocated systematically for rescue and recovery operations.
In response to the Myanmar government's request for international support, 2,095 rescue workers from 26 countries have arrived in Myanmar, bringing over 3,800 tons of relief supplies via 147 planes, seven ships, and 23 vehicles, he added.
Authorities are evaluating damaged structures using a color-coded system—blue, orange, and red—to assess the extent of structural damage and to guide necessary repairs.
Temporary housing options, including bashas and modular shelters, are being constructed for displaced residents, while plans are being developed to rebuild homes using earthquake-resistant designs based on soil testing and fault-line evaluations.
Since the earthquake on March 28, Myanmar has experienced over 150 aftershocks, and rescue and recovery operations are still ongoing, the report stated.
Point of View
It is imperative to convey the severity of the situation in Myanmar following the earthquake. The nation faces an overwhelming humanitarian crisis, and it is our responsibility to ensure that accurate information is disseminated to promote awareness and support for recovery efforts. We stand with the people of Myanmar during this challenging time.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have been displaced by the earthquake in Myanmar?
Over 200,000 people have been displaced following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28.
What regions in Myanmar were affected by the earthquake?
The earthquake caused destruction across 10 regions, including Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, and Shan.
What is the current status of rescue and recovery efforts?
Ongoing rescue operations are underway, with international aid and local authorities working together to assess damages and provide support.
How many aftershocks have occurred since the earthquake?
Since the initial earthquake on March 28, Myanmar has experienced over 150 aftershocks.
What types of temporary housing are being provided for the displaced?
Temporary housing, including bashas and modular shelters, is being constructed for displaced residents.
