UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is ramping up its emergency relief efforts in Myanmar as the full scale of devastation from the 28 March earthquake comes into focus.
The 7.7-magnitude quake has affected 14.9 million people, with more than 2,000 confirmed dead and thousands injured. These figures are expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue.
“We are incredibly grateful to Kiwi supporters who have generously donated to our emergency appeal for Myanmar. But we desperately need more funding to ramp up our aid efforts and every dollar makes a difference,” said Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR spokesperson, Lisa Upton.
UNHCR has dispatched two emergency relief trucks to Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, delivering emergency shelter and essential supplies. The initial shipment to Mandalay is expected to support up to 5,000 families. Temporary shelter will be provided to health facilities damaged by the quake, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation.
“This earthquake has struck communities already grappling with one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises,” said Ms Upton. “Over 1.6 million people in the worst-affected areas were already displaced due to conflict, and now they face further devastation – without homes, clean water, or basic supplies,” she said.
The earthquake has caused severe damage across central Myanmar, particularly in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, badly affecting critical infrastructure including hospitals, schools, and roads.
Despite frequent aftershocks, UNHCR teams are on the ground, working in coordination with UN agencies and humanitarian partners to deliver urgent assistance. Field teams are conducting rapid needs assessments in severely affected communities, such as Thae Kyin, where fires in the aftermath of the quake destroyed multiple homes.
As relief efforts continue, Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR is calling for urgent donations to help scale up life-saving aid. UNHCR’s Myanmar operation was only 16% funded before the quake, and without immediate support, lives will be at risk.
To support UNHCR’s emergency response, visit www.unrefugees.org.nz/emergency-response/myanmar-emergency.
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with a UNHCR spokesperson, please contact:
Kelsey Taylor | Senior Media & Communications Manager, Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR | [email protected] | +64 21 298 5894 (WhatsApp) | +61 450 322 320 (mobile)