EMERGENCY APPEAL: Earthquake strikes Myanmar and Thailand

Powerful earthquakes have devastated regions across Myanmar and Thailand. Buildings have collapsed, leaving people homeless and isolated.

Photo credit: Lilian Suwanrumpha via Getty Images

What is happening in Myanmar and Thailand?


Myanmar and Thailand have been struck by a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake, causing widespread destruction. This is a huge humanitarian crisis.

The earthquake was followed by a significant aftershock of 6.4M approximately 12 minutes later. Tremors were felt as far as China when the epicentre of the earthquake hit central Myanmar.

More than six million people are thought to have been in areas experiencing the intense tremors. Hospitals within Myanmar are overwhelmed and extreme temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius has increased risks for communities and responders. With water supplies scarce, the threat of disease is growing.

Across Myanmar, people are missing or feared dead, their homes turned to rubble. For thousands, the only option is to live in damaged homes, flee, or sleep outside —but conflict makes displacement within Myanmar even more dangerous. People need urgent humanitarian assistance.

Vulnerable people in these countries will be homeless and in need of emergency shelter.

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How is ShelterBox responding?


ShelterBox has deployed a team to Thailand to coordinate efforts and determine how best to support those affected by the earthquake across the region. Early reports show people in Myanmar are in need of shelter, access to clean drinking water, mosquito nets and hygiene materials. We are focusing our efforts on Myanmar because it has been the most severely impacted by the earthquake.

We are working on what support we can offer. Items like tents and tarpaulins, water filters, mosquito nets, cooking sets and solar lights are often relevant in these situations.

Tents might work for people living outside in towns and cities. Shelter repair kits, tarpaulins and tool kits may be useful for people in more rural areas where people are able to make their own repairs more easily.

We are also working closely with Rotary contacts across the region including Rotary members in Myanmar. Rotarian members in Bangkok and Myanmar are providing invaluable support, information and coordination.

Your support is crucial in making this response possible.

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What difficulties do people face following the earthquake?


In Myanmar, the devastating earthquake has intensified an already dire humanitarian crisis. Hospitals are overwhelmed, struggling to treat the injured. Communication networks are failing, and blocked roads make aid delivery and rescue efforts nearly impossible.

Large numbers of people are forced to sleep outside, afraid of aftershocks and unable to return to their homes. Food supplies are low, with 15.2 million people at risk of food insecurity prior to the quake. Without clean drinking water, the risk of disease is extreme. Medical support is stretched thin, and the lack of shelter means families are exposed to harsh conditions with no protection.

The ongoing conflict is making rescue efforts even harder. People are desperately searching for missing loved ones, but with restricted access, many remain trapped or missing. The recovery of bodies is becoming increasingly difficult as communities struggle to find and bury their dead amidst the destruction.

This latest disaster has pushed the people of Myanmar to the brink. Already surviving through conflict and displacement, their resilience is a testament to their strength – but as conditions deteriorate, survival becomes even harder.

ShelterBox is ready to respond, to provide emergency shelter like tents and tarpaulins, as well as water filters, mosquito nets and solar lights. We need your support to reach those who need help the most.

Please, if you can, donate today.

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Your questions about the Myanmar and Thailand earthquake answered

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Why support ShelterBox?


With over 25 years of experience, we are experts in emergency shelter after disaster.

From the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, to responding to the magnitude nine Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011, we have provided shelter to over 2.5 million people so far.

In these uncertain times, your support is more valuable than ever.

We won’t stop until we see a world where no family goes without shelter after disaster. Will you help us?