Statement by Adam Combs the Norwegian Refugee Council’s (NRC) Asia regional director following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar:
“The impact of the earthquake which struck Myanmar this week will further deepen the suffering of people who have already endured more than four years of widespread violence and conflict. Across the country, more than 1,600 people are reported to have been killed and many more injured and missing. We fear these numbers will rise further in the coming days and weeks.
“NRC is monitoring the situation and stands ready to respond. Immediate and unhindered access for aid workers to the hardest-hit communities is critical to saving lives and supporting recovery. The widespread destruction of critical infrastructure, roads, hospitals, and places of worship – often used as refuge by those displaced by conflict—will push already vulnerable communities into even greater need.
“The humanitarian response for more than 19 million people in need of aid and protection is already severely underfunded amid a global humanitarian funding crisis. At this critical time, it is vital that both international and regional actors step up, show leadership, and rapidly commit increased funding to emergency aid efforts. We also urge local authorities to facilitate access to affected communities, including through expediting the approval of humanitarian goods, services and personnel.”
Notes to editors:
- As of the 29th March more than 1,600 people were reported killed and 3,400 reported injured by the earthquake in Myanmar (BBC).
- In 2025, 19.9 million people are in need of humanitarian aid and protection in Myanmar as a result of internal armed conflict and recurrent natural disasters (OCHA).
- The Myanmar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2025 has received $55.4 million against the $1.1 billion appeal making the response only 4.9% funded (OCHA).
- Photos are available for free use upon request.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
- NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329
- Regional Media and Communications Adviser, Christian Jepsen: christian.jepsen@nrc.no +254 706 248 391
“The impact of the earthquake which struck Myanmar this week will further deepen the suffering of people who have already endured more than four years of widespread violence and conflict. Across the country, more than 1,600 people are reported to have been killed and many more injured and missing. We fear these numbers will rise further in the coming days and weeks.
“NRC is monitoring the situation and stands ready to respond. Immediate and unhindered access for aid workers to the hardest-hit communities is critical to saving lives and supporting recovery. The widespread destruction of critical infrastructure, roads, hospitals, and places of worship – often used as refuge by those displaced by conflict—will push already vulnerable communities into even greater need.
“The humanitarian response for more than 19 million people in need of aid and protection is already severely underfunded amid a global humanitarian funding crisis. At this critical time, it is vital that both international and regional actors step up, show leadership, and rapidly commit increased funding to emergency aid efforts. We also urge local authorities to facilitate access to affected communities, including through expediting the approval of humanitarian goods, services and personnel.”
Notes to editors:
- As of the 29th March more than 1,600 people were reported killed and 3,400 reported injured by the earthquake in Myanmar (BBC).
- In 2025, 19.9 million people are in need of humanitarian aid and protection in Myanmar as a result of internal armed conflict and recurrent natural disasters (OCHA).
- The Myanmar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2025 has received $55.4 million against the $1.1 billion appeal making the response only 4.9% funded (OCHA).
- Photos are available for free use upon request.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
- NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329
- Regional Media and Communications Adviser, Christian Jepsen: christian.jepsen@nrc.no +254 706 248 391