UN
25 Apr 2025

One month since Myanmars earthquake disaster, tens of thousands of survivors still live in makeshift tents with little to protect them from pre-monsoon storms and mosquitoes.

Thousands of families in Myanmar remain without shelter, water or medical care three weeks after deadly earthquakes struck the country, as frequent aftershocks compound the suffering of communities already battered by conflict and poverty.

Military operations continue in Myanmar despite ceasefires declared after the recent earthquake that killed more than 3,600 people, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Friday.

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) is just one of the UN agencies working to help the most vulnerable in worst-hit central areas, but much more help is needed.

When it rains, they can't sleep, and when the rain stops, they still can't sleep because they feared the wind might have their only shelter away,said Dr Thushara Fernando, WHO representative in Myanmar.

In an update from Yangon, the WHO medic warned thatthe risk of waterborne disease is becoming a realityfor all those still living under plastic sheeting with stagnant water all around.

Acholera outbreakwas already reported in Mandalay just a few months ago.

Survivors feed their babies, they eat, they drink in their tents; they don't have even a simple mosquito net to sleep under in the night, Dr Fernando continued.

Water sources are contaminated, temporary toilet facilities are overwhelmed, and acute watery diarrhoea has been reported in two areas, he continued.

Two major earthquakes hit central Myanmar on 28 Marchkilling at least 3,700 people. About 5,100 more were injured and 114 are still missing, according to WHO. The true toll is likely much higher because of underreporting.

Aftershocks continue

Survivors and aid teams have experienced more than 140 aftershocks some as high as magnitude 5.9 which have added to widespread trauma and impeded humanitarian assistance.

To help, the UN health agency hasdelivered around 170 tonnes of emergency medical suppliesto help 450,000 people for three months.

WHO is alsocoordinating more than 220 emergency medical teamsin earthquake affected areas and it has launched a targeted dengue prevention initiative in coordination with national and local partners.

This includes the distribution of about 4,500 rapid diagnostic test kits for frontline responders and hundreds of insecticide-treated nets to protect people in the hardest-hit areas, such as Mandalay.

UNFPAThe March 2025 earthquake caused widespread destruction Mandalay.

Critical moment

The WHO medic said that the agency continues to help deliver a range of services, albeit at a very limited scale. This includes trauma care, mental health and psychosocial support, along with maternal and child health services and non-communicable disease prevention.

Without urgent, sustained funding, the risks of secondary health crises will erupt, said Dr Fernando.

Echoing those concerns, the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) noted that early signs of acute watery diarrhoea are already emerging in worst-hit areas.

Access to food and essential services have been disrupted, causing worsening nutrition conditions, especially for young children, the UN agencys Eliana Drakopoulos told .

With low immunization coverage and the monsoon approaching, the risk of preventable disease outbreaks is rising fast, Ms. Drakopoulos added. Urgent action is needed.

UNFPAThe March 2025 earthquake caused widespread destruction Mandalay.