LocationsEarthquake recovery compounded by existing crises is explosive mix
Responding to tectonic shifts in Myanmar
April 17, 2025
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck an already vulnerable Myanmar, exacerbating existing crises.
Photo: UNDP Myanmar
The ground beneath Asia and the Pacific has shifted dramatically. A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake has ripped through the region, leaving a trail of widespread destruction, particularly in Myanmar. The epicentre, located along the Sagaing Fault at an estimated depth of 10 kilometres, marks not just a physical rupture but a profound wound requiring urgent healing. This collision zone of the Eurasian and Indo-Australian tectonic plates – a clash of geological titans akin to a real-world Godzilla vs. King Kong fight under the Earth’s surface – has redefined the landscape in which UNDP works in many ways.
The scale of damage and loss is immense. Over 3,500 lives are already confirmed lost. With the large numbers missing, this count will sadly go up. Some cities, like Sagaing have had 50 percent to 80 percent of their buildings destroyed. At least 5 million people have been severely impacted. Our UNDP and UN colleagues and their families have been directly impacted. Yet, amidst this trauma, the immediate outpour of solidarity has been heartening. Support poured in immediately from across the region, with countries and agencies swiftly mobilizing assistance for those affected in Myanmar. Our colleagues continue to work tirelessly, basing themselves in temporary accommodations, and demonstrating that remarkable commitment and sense of purpose to help others in need.
This earthquake struck Myanmar at a particularly vulnerable time, exacerbating existing crises. For years, UNDP has provided data and analysis highlighting these compounding challenges, including a recent report identifying the situation in the country as an "enduring polycrisis". Socio-economic reports showed just one year ago a disappearing middle class, and just months ago, our analysis, combining data, surveys and satellite imagery, warned of an impending famine in the making in Rakhine.
This isn't just research; it's a call to action. Indeed, since the 2021 military takeover, our UNDP Myanmar team has been implementing a community-first approach, reaching 3 million people with livelihood and basic needs support. Working directly with grassroots and civil society organizations has strengthened local agriculture, markets for food distribution, and access to essential services. Resources have limited the scale of what could be done. Now, this already fragile context has been hit by the strongest earthquake in a century.
UNDP's post-earthquake support includes establishing cash-for-work programmes for debris removal and infrastructure rehabilitation, generating immediate incomes for over 250,000 people.
Photo: UNDP Myanmar
Recovery will be a monumental undertaking. With different authorities governing various areas and ongoing conflict, even during the earthquake's aftermath, universal access across all affected areas is crucial. As did the UN Secretary-General and UN Special Envoy, I reiterated the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow all communities, urban and rural, to begin rebuilding. This cessation has been temporary, or intermittent at best, but even in this insecure context we are firmly focused on supporting immediate and rapid recovery.
UNDP Myanmar’s efforts include standing up cash-for-work programmes for debris removal and infrastructure rehabilitation, generating immediate incomes for over 250,000 people. We are also prioritizing temporary shelter solutions for about 50,000 households displaced by the disaster, delivering clean drinking water to 500,000 individuals. The team is distributing comprehensive Household Emergency Assistance Packages – which contain food, medicine, shelter materials, hygiene supplies and solar lamps – to another 500,000 people in both urban and rural areas. For all of this, we hope our current donors and new partners step in to fund this work.
'Recovery will be a monumental undertaking. With different authorities governing various areas and ongoing conflict, even during the earthquake's aftermath, universal access across all affected areas is crucial.'
Beyond the immediate, UNDP also remains committed to supporting the long-term recovery and resilience capabilities of Myanmar. As in many countries in our region, restarting micro and small enterprises will empower millions to rebuild their livelihoods and stimulate the household economy. Repairing vital public infrastructure, including water and energy systems, roads, bridges, health clinics and community schools, will also benefit large numbers. And the two are intrinsically linked by young people who are being trained and skilled to take on this effort to rebuild their communities, and in the long run, their country.
Tectonic plates will keep shifting and causing shocks – be they related to ODA, trade, geological shocks and political crises. These harsh unrelenting contexts underscore the call on UNDP to adapt rapidly in a world facing increasing human insecurity. Our team expertise in integrated analysis, understanding compounding crises, long years of community engagement, and hands-on knowledge of local economies and institutions, with a broad network of local and international partners, equips us to be there and contribute so the most vulnerable do not keep paying a heavy price. Maybe, just maybe, the countries that can play a peacemaker role and those that can provide development funding, can team together, as King Kong and Godzilla did in the movies, to help with the rebuild of this special country torn asunder.
Learn more about UNDP’s response to the Myanmar earthquake.
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