MSF prepares response to Myanmar earthquake

28 March 2025

"The priority for us at the moment is to deploy assessment teams, and ideally, an emergency trauma care team.  To do so, however, we need access, and time is particularly critical in situations like these, especially for those who need immediate care." 

Federica Franco, MSF Head of Mission in Myanmar

MSF teams working in Myanmar and Thailand are safe and accounted for after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the central region, near Mandalay.  
 

Our medical humanitarian staff in Myanmar and neighbouring countries, have the capacity to respond at scale to the needs of affected communities, once authorities facilitate swift and unhindered access for teams to do assessments and provide medical care.
 

Given the scale and intensity of the earthquake, the impact on people could be devastating, particularly for those who require immediate lifesaving assistance due to trauma injuries. We’re also concerned about those who will be vulnerable as a result of loss of shelter, loss of access to general healthcare, as well as loss of access to safe drinking water which is crucial to control the possible spread of waterborne diseases.
 

The ability to deploy assessment teams and, ideally, surgical capacity, are critical in the first hours and days after any earthquake if we hope to respond with life and limb-saving surgical care for people injured.
 

To enable an effective response, swift access to affected areas and timely approval of essential supplies and personnel are critical. 

More to follow...