March 2025 Myanmar Earthquake Response

On Friday, March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, a country already torn by war. The aftershocks were felt across Southeast Asia. More than 1,600 people have died, and more than 3,000 have been injured, although it is difficult to obtain accurate information as major bridges completely collapsed or severely damaged, cutting off access for rescue teams. Experts warned there could be tens of thousands dead as people continue to be trapped under the rubble without electricity and reliable mobile lines. According to the Red Cross, there were also shortages of medical supplies, including trauma kits, blood bags, anesthetics, essential medicines, tents for medical teams, etc. 

Medical Action Myanmar

Medical Action Myanmar (MAM) is a medical INGO focusing on providing large-scale access to free, quality healthcare for the marginalised in Myanmar. Since 2009, MAM has implemented activities in 20 clinics in Yangon, Kachin, Kayin, Chin, Shan, Mon and Sagaing. MAM is registered in the Netherland and fully independent from the Myanmar authorities.Aligned with its mission, MAM is engaged in the processes of providing critical medical aid to the most vulnerable communities affected by the force of the earthquake through: 

• Emergency surgery and blood transfusions,
• Elective surgery in the following days/weeks,
• Support to rebuild their huts/ houses, water wells, other damaged belongings.
• Other support for specific situations (dam collapse and flooding, loss of breadwinner, ….)

World Central Kitchen (WCK)

WCK is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines, providing fresh meals in response to crises. Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, their model of taking quick action, leveraging local resources, and adapting in real time has enabled WCK to serve more than 450 million nourishing, chef-prepared meals around the world.WCK is Responding with:

• Deliver culturally appropriate, nourishing meals, food kits, and fresh water to people experiencing hunger caused by the March 28 earthquake;
• Partner with local community leaders and organizations to identify unmet food needs and overcome challenges;
• Put resources back into local economies by purchasing local ingredients, working with local food suppliers, vendors, distributors, and restaurants, and hiring local workers to support ongoing operations.