IOM Urgently Seeks USD 17.3 Million to Support Communities Hit Hardest by Myanmar Earthquake

Bangkok, 3 April 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is appealing for USD 17.3 million to respond to the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, leaving hundreds of thousands of people in critical need of humanitarian assistance.   

“The immediate needs of those affected include shelter, food, health services, water, sanitation, and mental health and psychosocial support. Vulnerable populations, including children, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities, are at heightened risk of family separation, trafficking, abuse, and gender-based violence,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope.  

IOM and local partners are working around the clock to collect information on the impact of the earthquake through the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) to help assess the critical needs of the affected communities, in coordination with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).  

The earthquake and subsequent aftershocks are the largest to hit Myanmar in over a century and have caused widespread destruction across central Myanmar, including Mandalay, Sagaing and Bago regions, along with Nay Pyi Taw and parts of Shan State. More than 3,000 people are confirmed dead so far, with thousands more injured. As rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the devastation becomes clearer, the death toll is expected to rise. About 10.4 million people live in areas hardest hit by the earthquake.  

In coordination with local authorities and other humanitarian partners, IOM is prioritizing the delivery of emergency shelter kits, multipurpose cash assistance, essential healthcare, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support for affected families. IOM also aims to support local authorities in managing displacement sites, ensuring displaced communities have access to essential services and protection.  

While IOM is urgently appealing for support to address immediate emergency needs, the aftermath of the earthquake is expected to require extensive long-term recovery and rehabilitation efforts. This disaster further exacerbates already critical humanitarian needs, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.  

Even before the earthquake, nearly 20 million people in Myanmar (one third of the population) needed humanitarian aid, because of conflict, hunger, curtailed access to public services, and economic upheaval. More than 3.5 million people are estimated to have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict.   

The IOM Flash Appeal for Myanmar Earthquake Response can be found here. 

For more information on how to contribute or to get involved, please visit IOM Myanmar Crisis Response Plan 2025. You can also donate here.  

For more information, please contact:   

In Bangkok: Itayi Viriri, iviriri@iom.int   

In Geneva: Daniela Rovina, drovina@iom.int