UN officials called for an immediate ceasefire in Myanmar on Monday, three days after two powerful earthquakes struck the country, killing approximately 2,000 people and overwhelming the already fragile infrastructure.
UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator Marcoluigi Corsi issued a statement on behalf of the UN Country Team, expressing condolences to the victims and underscoring the severity of the situation. “The latest reports indicate significant loss of life, widespread injuries, and many still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue,” said Corsi. “The UN and partners continue to urgently mobilise in support of the emergency response.”
The earthquakes come amid a protracted civil conflict following the February 2021 military coup. Millions were already internally displaced prior to the disaster. “Even before this earthquake, nearly 20 million people in Myanmar were in need of humanitarian assistance,” Corsi said. “This latest tragedy compounds an already dire crisis and risks further eroding the resilience of communities already battered by conflict, displacement, and past disasters.”
Corsi confirmed that rapid needs assessments are underway in coordination with UN agencies, local authorities, and humanitarian partners, with particular attention paid to vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
The UN has allocated an initial $15 million in emergency funds to support critical relief efforts, including medical teams, shelter materials, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) items. Rescue teams from approximately 20 countries have arrived, including paramedics and trained search dogs, alongside the World Food Programme’s food aid.
UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop issued a parallel statement, saying she stands “in solidarity with the people of Myanmar as the devastating earthquake has greatly exacerbated an already dire situation.” She said she was “heartbroken by first-hand accounts of the magnitude of the suffering,” noting that many victims still cannot be reached due to infrastructure damage and ongoing conflict.
Rights groups such as Amnesty International also urged Myanmar’s military authorities to ensure full and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid. The situation is also worsened by the recent US aid cuts and reduced global funding in 2025, forcing many life-saving operations to be scaled down or shut down entirely, disrupting essential services for the most vulnerable.
The dual quakes, measured at 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude, struck near Mandalay and Sagaing, with tremors reported as far as Bago, Magway, and parts of Shan State, leaving thousands dead and many more injured. Widespread damage has left hospitals overcrowded and communications severed.
