7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Parts of Myanmar

A magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar in the afternoon of March 28.  The earthquake devastated Mandalay, Sagaing, and Shan State and was felt as far away as Bangkok -- 600 miles away, where a 30 story building under construction collapsed.

The damage to the Inle Lake region of Southern Shan State was significant, with many deaths.  Due to poor communications, spotty internet and electricity, exact numbers are hard to verify.  

This latest natural disaster comes only a few months after devastating floods associated with Typhoon Yagi on September 7, 2024, which was the largest storm to hit the region in 30 years, causing severe damage in China, Philippines, Laos, Thailand in addition to flooding that was ten feet above normal elevation in Inle Lake.

In Nyaungshwe Township, where the Inle region is located, tall buildings concrete and masonry buildings were severely damaged, with many deaths reported.  On the lake itself, severe damage to traditional bamboo stilt houses was reported, with many buildings completely destroyed.  One village reported that 80% of buildings were severely damaged.

These two major natural disasters come on the heels of five years of economic hardship caused first by the pandemic and then by the military takeover in January 2021.  This has resulted in : 

- High unemployment and income disruption, caused by disruption of transportation and a severe decline in tourism. - Even with money, it is difficult to buy essential food supplies due to shortages and high inflation.  The September flooding has disrupted the normal crop planting cycle and harvests.

- Transportation relies solely on motorboats, but in some areas, boats face navigation challenges.

- Fuel prices have increased, and it is hard to obtain necessary fuel supplies.

- There is a shortage of firewood and charcoal for cooking.

- Drinking water is scarce as the region is facing clean water shortages

Disruption from the September 2024 storm has continued for months and now with devastation from the earthquake will continue for years.  Fields of crops, that would normally provide food for residents and income for farmers who sell their crops across the country, were completely submerged, which caused food shortages not only in the Inle Region, but around the country.  Homes have been severely damaged or completely destroyed and thousands are displaced.  Drinking water is not available.  Communications and transportation infrastructure will take weeks and years to restore; in the short term water, food, health supplies, and gasoline are in short supply with few ways of resupply logistics. Internet and communications connectivity is limited in area and spotty.

We ask that you contribute to our efforts to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the people of the Inle Region and to the restoration of the Inle community.

You can make a secure donation  online here, or by check to “Friends of Pariaman” and mail it to PO Box 3, Accord, NY 12404.  Friends of Pariaman is a US 501c3 charitable organization (EIN 26-0869363), all contributions are tax deductible for US taxpayers as permitted by law.

Thank you for your consideration and generosity.

Updated 28 March 2025