​On 28 March 2025, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Sagaing region in Myanmar. This was shortly followed by a 6.4 magnitude 12 minute aftershock. On Sunday 30 March, another 5.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded northwest of Mandalay. Multiple aftershocks have followed since. 

 

The death toll climbs everyday. As of 7 April 2025, the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) has documented the death toll to be 4,316 with 696 bodies recovered in Sagaing and 2,759 in Mandalay. 

 

Instead of sending aid, the military regime is exploiting the disaster to continue its attack on civilians. Despite the military regime’s announcement of a temporary ceasefire following the earthquake, they have continued launching airstrikes against civilians. According to DVB, since the ceasefire on 2 April 2025, 46 attacks have been carried out. The National Unity Government (NUG) reports that 13 regime attacks took place in the Sagaing region, while another 8 occurred in the Mandalay region. Fighting has been reported in Kachin, Karenni, and Shan States as well as Sagaing, Mandalay, and Magway regions. 

 

Myanmar’s military has a long history of exploiting crises and its aftermath by not only blocking aid and restricting access to affected communities, but also appropriating funds and supplies intended for victims. We saw this during the Covid-19 pandemic and 2008 Cyclone Nargis, and we are seeing it now. Both Sagaing and Mandalay are hotbeds of insurgency following the 2021 military coup, and since the earthquake, the military have begun to strictly monitor vehicles entering and exiting Sagaing town, and imposed a strict inspection of goods, with some reportedly being turned away. 

 

This makes localised humanitarian assistance essential to ensure that aid is reaching those in need, rather than being exploited by the military to weaken anti-military resistance strongholds. 100% of the proceeds from this GoFundMe will go directly to the organisation, Advance Myanmar. 

 

Advance Myanmar delivers humanitarian assistance during crises, including the recent earthquake, and long-term support to communities often overlooked by major donors. Since the 2021 coup, they have helped tens of thousands in remote areas by working with local organisations to support grassroots-led recovery and change.

At burmawave, we are committed to using our platform to support relief efforts, raise awareness, and stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar. Please donate for the victims of the earthquake. Every bit helps.