We Are Responding to
the Earthquake in Myanmar

International Medical Corps is responding to this crisis, working closely with regional authorities, the World Health Organization and partners to coordinate relief efforts, including deploying an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) to the area if requested to provide medical and mental health care to people affected by the disaster. Myanmar’s State Administration Council has declared a state of emergency in six affected states and regions, and has called for international assistance.

Before the earthquake, Myanmar was experiencing a humanitarian crisis due to years of conflict. The country currently has the fifth-highest number of people in need of humanitarian assistance globally, with approximately 20 million people—one-third of the population—in need, and some 15 million people projected to face acute food insecurity during 2025. The earthquake is expected to further exacerbate this crisis, leaving millions without access to essential health, protection, nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene services. Sagaing City, near the epicenter of the quake, is home to 1.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs)—one-third of all IDPs in Myanmar.

Infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed throughout the region—including healthcare facilities, which have been overwhelmed with demand from people injured in the quake. Hundreds of people are believed to be trapped under rubble across the region, while multiple hospitals have been evacuated due to damage and risk of collapse, leading to a shortage of beds for the injured.

We are assessing conditions, and are ready to provide essential medical and other lifesaving relief supplies to support affected health systems and communities. Extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including communications systems and airports, have so far hindered humanitarian efforts, as have shortages of medical supplies. Our specialized EMT would include orthopedic and trauma surgeons, an anesthesiologist, an operating theater nurse and emergency physicians, and would provide emergency and trauma care services at a fixed site. As always, we continue to work closely with international, regional and local partners to increase healthcare surge capacity and coordinate humanitarian aid over the course of our response.

We will report more on our activities as the situation develops. Please check this page frequently for updates.