A house that collapsed due to flooding.

Myanmar

Myanmar is experiencing one of the most severe crises worldwide. Since the military coup in 2021, the country has suffered from a protracted civil war, mass displacement, and economic collapse. The devastating earthquake in March 2025 further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, affecting millions of people in regions already severely impacted.

Political situation in Myanmar

Myanmar has been in a deep political crisis since the military coup on February 1, 2021. The military, also known as the Tatmadaw, seized control and ousted the democratically elected government led by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Since then, the country has been ruled by a military junta that maintains its power through violence, repression, and systematic human rights violations.

As a result of the coup, the political, economic, and humanitarian situation has steadily deteriorated. According to estimates by international human rights organizations, more than 6,000 to approximately 7,000 civilians have been killed by the military regime and forces allied with it since 2021. Millions of people are suffering under the repressive rule; more than 3.5 million people have been displaced within the country, many of them multiple times.

The military government is largely internationally isolated, particularly due to sanctions and diplomatic measures imposed by Western states, but it continues to receive political and military support from some actors. Despite international efforts, the humanitarian situation in Myanmar remains extremely critical, and millions of people are in urgent need of protection and assistance.

The earthquake and its aftermath

On Friday morning, March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake struck parts of Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar and Thailand. The devastating scale of the disaster is becoming increasingly clear. More than 1,700 deaths and 3,400 injured people have already been reported, and the numbers continue to rise. Hospitals have collapsed, medicines and medical equipment are in short supply, and infrastructure has broken down in many areas. The risk of disease outbreaks is increasing with each passing day, especially in overcrowded emergency shelters.

In Myanmar, the natural disaster overlaps with the political unrest of recent years, making the impact of the earthquake even more severe. A state of emergency has already been declared in six regions. The already fragile infrastructure and tense security situation are significantly hampering relief efforts. Remote villages are cut off from the outside world, and the already weak health and social systems are on the brink of collapse.

Relief efforts by action medeor

action medeor, also known as the “Emergency Pharmacy of the World,” launched initial emergency assistance for the affected population immediately after the earthquake. Together with a local partner organization, disaster relief is being deployed to the rural earthquake‑affected regions to support people on the ground. The mobile team consists of local staff and is already operating in the affected areas. Additional aid currently being organized includes the provision of food, drinking water, and temporary shelters in more than 20 villages around the earthquake’s epicenter.

action medeor has made €100,000 available in immediate emergency funds, which are now being provided to local aid workers. These funds are being used to procure medicines and relief supplies locally, as this allows for faster delivery and better alignment with needs and capacities in Myanmar. At the same time, we are reviewing potential medicine shipments from action medeor’s pharmaceutical warehouse in Germany as well as local procurement in cooperation with local and international partners.

“Our mobile team is made up of local staff and is already on site. Further assistance includes the provision of food, drinking water, and temporary shelters in more than 20 villages around the epicenter of the earthquake. This allows us to source the necessary medicines and relief supplies as locally and as close to the affected communities as possible.”


Sid Peruvemba
Spokesperson of the executive board of action medeor

Help people in disaster‑affected regions

In this dramatic situation, your support is crucial. As an experienced humanitarian organization, we are on the ground and coordinating emergency aid with local partners. However, without additional funds, we cannot meet the growing needs in disaster‑affected regions like this one. To provide people who have lost their loved ones and homes, who are injured and traumatized, with the most essential support, we urgently need your help.

Every donation helps us deliver urgently needed medical care in crisis situations, ensure access to clean drinking water, and provide shelter. People in crisis regions need our solidarity now more than ever. Donate now!

Prepare today for tomorrow: with a regular donation to action medeor, you help us remain ready to respond immediately in future emergencies.

Our work in Myanmar

Donate now