Global Emergency Update May 2025

GLOBAL EMERGENCY UPDATE Myanmar Earthquake

"During this time, let us not fail to assist the people of Myanmar ... We pray for the victims and their loved ones, and we heartily thank all the generous volunteers carrying out the relief operations."

—Pope Francis, in his final Easter message. May his soul be granted eternal rest.

Nearly one month after the disastrous earthquakes that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, the needs of affected and displaced families continue to mount. The earthquake and its continuing aftershocks have pushed 2 million people into critical need of assistance and protection. More than 3,600 people have died, 4,800 have been injured, and 141 people remain missing.

CRS Emergency Communications Director Caroline Brennan reports on the urgent needs and response efforts in Myanmar following the devastating March 28 earthquakes.

“The needs are urgent for safe shelter, clean water and hygiene supplies.”

—Caroline Brennan, CRS Emergency Communications Director

OVERVIEW

The earthquake, with its epicenter near Mandalay and Sagaing, has upended entire communities. People in the hardest-hit areas face tremendous challenges accessing safe shelter, clean water and electricity. There is widespread destruction of homes, health facilities, and critical infrastructure. Markets are disrupted, and there are prolonged power and water outages. Telecommunications are severely limited, and transport routes are damaged or obstructed. Extensive damage to roads, bridges and essential utilities severely complicates damage assessments and the distribution of aid. Heavy rain and thunderstorms pose a threat to families sheltering in the open. Operations at Mandalay and Naypyitaw airports have restarted, though critical airport infrastructure remains damaged and flights are in high demand.

Urgent needs include food, drinking water, health care, cash assistance and emergency shelter.

PEOPLE ARE SLEEPING IN THE STREETS—WITH THE MONSOON SEASON APPROACHING

Families who lost everything in the earthquake are now sleeping outside—on roadsides, in fields and in makeshift shelters. With monsoon rains approaching, their situation is about to become even more desperate. The persistent tremors have heightened fears, deterring people from returning to their damaged homes or buildings. Without urgent shelter support, thousands will face flooding, exposure and the added trauma of yet another disaster. Daytime temperatures often exceed 100°F, posing additional challenges for both survivors and aid workers—especially given the limited access to clean water.

“Families are experiencing enormous distress, loss and fear. Many have lost their belongings and their life’s assets and are unsure how they will rebuild their lives. For now, their focus is on feeding their children and keeping them safe from disease and harm, especially when living outdoors. With the looming monsoon season, there is great worry about how they will withstand the heavy rains and potential flooding. The needs are urgent for safe shelter, clean water and hygiene supplies,” says Caroline Brennan, with Catholic Relief Services. She is currently in Myanmar as CRS supports the response of the local Church.

ESCALATING HEALTH CRISIS: WATERBORNE DISEASES ON THE RISE

The combination of displacement, a lack of clean water, and unsanitary conditions is creating the perfect storm for a public health crisis. Cholera and other waterborne diseases are a growing threat, especially among young children and people with other illnesses. The local Church plays a vital role in reaching especially vulnerable communities in both urban and rural areas, thanks to its trusted relationships and experience with local programming. Immediate access to clean water, hygiene kits and sanitation facilities is critical to preventing an outbreak.

COMMUNITIES ON THE BRINK

Many of the areas hit hardest by the earthquake were already suffering from the aftermath of a typhoon in September of 2024. Millions of people were displaced due to conflict and facing rising food insecurity, which is at a critical level. The earthquake didn’t just take homes—it wiped out food supplies, markets and livelihoods. It also struck during the lean season when families were already struggling to put food on the table.

The earthquake-affected regions are vital to Myanmar's agricultural output, contributing approximately one-third of the nation's grain production and sustaining about two-thirds of the country's cattle and buffalo population. Reports indicate that over 9 million acres of farmland and 3.6 million cattle were impacted by the earthquake. Preliminary reports from affected areas highlight damage to irrigation infrastructure, especially in the central dry zone, where agricultural activity relies heavily on a complex system of dams and embankments. The approaching rainy season in mid-May—with rains having already started—will make it increasingly challenging to restore livelihoods. With livelihoods disrupted and markets affected, hunger is rapidly increasing.

The earthquake and its massive devastation have set families back even further. For those without any safety net left, the layered crises have pushed entire communities to the edge. Emergency food distributions and nutritional support for vulnerable groups, including children and nursing mothers, are urgently needed.

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT

Levels of distress among earthquake-affected families, particularly for children, have heightened, according to reports by responders. High levels of exhaustion, grief and fear have been reported, especially among those who have lost family members or remain in unsafe housing and crowded living conditions. There are also significant concerns about the safety and well-being of vulnerable groups, such as women, children and people with disabilities, who may face increased risks of exploitation, abuse and neglect in the aftermath of the disaster.

THE LOCAL CHURCH: A LIFELINE IN TIMES OF CRISIS

In the middle of this crisis, one constant remains: the local Church. The local Church has long been embedded in the heart of affected communities, earning deep trust through years of service, care and relationship-building. Because of its deep roots and trusted relationships, the Church is uniquely positioned to respond—distributing urgent aid, coordinating among diverse partners, and offering families and communities emotional and spiritual support.

CRS SUPPORT

CRS is supporting this response across affected areas. Already, local partners have provided food, shelter, clean water and cash assistance for nearly 9,000 displaced families—about 40,500 people. Priorities for assistance include the following:

• Food assistance: Food supplies and cash assistance to purchase food where available.
• Safe shelter: Bedding, shelter and household supplies, including tarps, blankets, mosquito nets and kitchen sets to meet emergency shelter needs for families with inhabitable homes. Efforts will quickly shift to transitional shelters before the monsoon season. Time is of the essence.
• Essential supplies and cash assistance: Household and living supplies as well as cash assistance to purchase items locally.
• Water, sanitation and hygiene: Ensuring access to clean water and preventing the spread of cholera and disease through water purification tablets, provision of hygiene kits and support for sanitation. Efforts will quickly transition to hand pump, water storage and latrine repair before monsoon season.
• Livelihood and market recovery: Looking ahead, support for people to restore their livelihoods for those who lost their livelihood assets, and potentially market recovery.
• Protection: Ensuring the safety and well-being of extremely vulnerable populations—including women children and people living with disabilities—in areas where they face heightened risks of exploitation, abuse and neglect.
• Emotional counseling: Providing care to help people manage their emotional distress, loss and trauma.

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