News

31 March 2025, HONG KONG – Millions of children are at risk following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, compounding an already dire humanitarian situation.

According to official figures, more than 1,600 people have been killed and over 3,400 injured—many of them children. The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue and the full scale of the disaster becomes clear.

Homes, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure have sustained severe damage. Landslides and collapsed roads have left many communities without electricity and mobile connectivity. Children are among the most affected—facing heightened risks of injury, trauma, separation from their families, and further disruption to what little stability they had.

UNICEF teams are on the ground in the hardest-hit areas, working with partners and local responders to assess needs and deliver emergency assistance. As part of its initial response, UNICEF is mobilizing 80 metric tons of life-saving supplies, including health kits, medical supplies, tents, and hygiene kits such as soap, sanitary pads, and disinfectants, for immediate delivery to children and families in desperate need.

UNICEF is calling for urgent funding to scale up the delivery of life-saving support to children and families affected by the earthquake—including clean water, medical care, protection, psychosocial support, and emergency education. Donation can be made through:

Designated webpage set up by UNICEF HK or Bank direct transfer: HSBC 567-354014-001

This destruction is part of the aftermath of the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March. Residents' belongings remain trapped among the brick debris.  © UNICEF/UNI771088/

Women from earthquake-affected families in Nay Pyi Taw gather with a UNICEF Myanmar staff member to discuss their situation and needs one day after the devastating earthquake.  © UNICEF/UNI771160/

Mandalay is among the hardest-hit areas, with widespread destruction and urgent humanitarian needs. © UNICEF/UNI770507/anonymous

Electricity and communication networks are down in affected areas, hampering rescue efforts. © UNICEF/UNI770508/anonymous

Life-saving supplies are being packed and shipped from the UNICEF Global Supply Hub in Copenhagen to support the emergency response to the Myanmar earthquake. © UNICEF/UNI771641/Visona