Situations in Myanmar

On March 28, 2025, at 12:50 p.m. local time, Myanmar experienced one of its most devastating natural disasters in over a century—a magnitude 7.7 earthquake centered near Mandalay. The quake, originating along the Sagaing Fault at a shallow depth of 10 km, unleashed intense shaking that lasted approximately 80 seconds. It was felt across Southeast Asia, including in Thailand, Vietnam, and southern China.

The earthquake resulted in at least 5,456 fatalities and over 11,400 injuries, with hundreds still missing. Due to censorship and the lack of transparency from many Burmese sources, it is believed that the true death toll is likely far higher. Sagaing City which is the closest to the epicenter, suffered tremendous damage, and 90% of structures were destroyed. The old Sagaing bridge, which is a 91-year-old British-era bridge connecting the two main cities Mandalay and Sagaing, collapsed.

In Mandalay Region, at the collapsed Masoyein Monastery, at least 30 monks died and 50 were injured. At that time, there was a religious examination going on, and the situation was so sudden that the casualties were high.

Because of the current situation in Myanmar, recovery processes are slower than the normal rate. Official schedules allocate six hours of electricity daily, split into two three-hour periods. In practice, residents often receive less than an hour of power during the day, with some areas experiencing all-day outages. The severe power shortages have disrupted daily life across Myanmar. Residents struggle with basic tasks such as cooking, water pumping, and communication due to an unreliable electricity supply. Businesses, particularly small-scale industries, face operational challenges, leading to closures and increased reliance on costly alternatives like generators and charcoal. Additionally, the rising electricity tariffs have placed a growing financial burden on the working class.

In addition to the severe electricity shortages, Myanmar's population has been grappling with escalating daily expenses and a deteriorating standard of living from 2023 to 2025. The compounded effects of economic instability, civil conflict, and natural disasters have intensified the inflation rate in Myanmar. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), consumer prices were projected to rise by approximately 30% over the year.

Along with the inflation, the crime rate of Myanmar has also increased. Because of the civil war, Myanmar's labor market has contracted significantly. By 2024, approximately 3.2 million people—about 14% of the workforce—had lost their jobs due to the combined effects of political instability and the COVID-19 pandemic. Industries such as construction, garments, and tourism have been particularly affected, with employment in these sectors dropping by 31%, 27%, and 30%, respectively. In major cities like Yangon and Mandalay, residents report a noticeable increase in crimes such as kidnapping, robbery, and murder. The police force, overwhelmed and primarily focused on suppressing dissent, has been unable to maintain public safety. This has led to a breakdown in the rule of law, with communities often resorting to self-policing measures.

The enforcement of mandatory military conscription in February 2024, requiring service from men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27, has prompted many young people to flee urban areas or the country altogether.