One Month After Myanmar Earthquake, Communities Begin to Rebuild Amid Ongoing Crisis

Yangon, Myanmar - One month after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, killing more than 3,700 people and injuring thousands more, communities in Myanmar are still reeling from the destruction — but signs of resilience and recovery are beginning to emerge. Mercy Corps and its partners are working tirelessly to deliver critical aid and support for local markets, helping families take their first steps toward rebuilding their lives. 

The March 28 earthquake devastated infrastructure and displaced thousands in a country already facing enormous hardship from years of conflict, economic turmoil, and displacement. Entire communities were cut off, power grids collapsed, and schools and bridges crumbled. But among this devastation, people are finding strength in restoring their livelihoods. 

Mercy Corps Regional Director for Middle East, Europe, and Asia, Arnaud Quemin, says: 

“One month after the earthquake, the needs remain staggering – but we’re also seeing incredible courage. Faced with the loss of their homes and livelihoods, people are turning to the support local markets provide. Supporting small businesses is the bedrock of a sustainable emergency response, and we’re seeing the first steps towards recovery as a result.” 

"One month on, the crisis is far from over. Even before this disaster, nearly 20 million people in Myanmar were in dire need of humanitarian aid, while the decline in international funding has already made survival even harder. We remain confident the international community will continue to support local communities to build back.” 

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Mercy Corps has been working in Myanmar since 2008 and reached over 600,000 people since 2022 with economic opportunities, and green agricultural growth in the face of worsening climate change, and community resilience.