Myanmar Emergency Appeal

Last updated April 7, 2025

What’s Happening in Myanmar?

On Friday, March 28, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, leaving behind unimaginable destruction in many cities. At least 4,159 have lost their lives and tens of thousands have been displaced, taking shelter in temporary camps, monasteries, and schools.

Clean water, food, and shelter remain top priorities as rising temperatures and poor sanitation raise the risk of disease outbreaks. Due to insufficient access to clean drinking water, cases of skin infections and diarrhea are rapidly spreading among displaced families and survivors. With sanitation systems damaged and water sources contaminated, the risk of disease outbreaks continues to escalate, adding another layer of urgency to the already critical humanitarian response.

Roads and infrastructure damage is making access to remote areas difficult, delaying relief efforts. Local volunteers, CSOs, and international NGOs are working to provide emergency aid, but access and logistics remain major challenges.

Right now, survivors urgently need:  

• Emergency shelter: Families are sleeping in the open, exposed to the elements and scorching heat of the dry zone.  

• Food and clean water: Supplies are running out, and contamination risks are high.  

• Medical aid: Hospitals are overwhelmed; trauma kits, medicines, and body bags are desperately needed. 

Please donate today if you can.

How is Building Markets helping?

Building Markets’ team is responding right now by partnering with local business leaders and first responders to meet critical needs, including delivering food, clothing, and medicine. These trusted community players are uniquely positioned to deliver essential aid swiftly and efficiently. By channeling resources through these agile networks, we can get help to those in desperate need—right when it matters most.

To date, with your support, our team has locally procured and delivered food, hygiene supplies, solar lights, mosquito net tents, sleeping floor mats, mosquito repellent, rain gear, gas lighter, masks, and other critical supplies.

We will continue to:

• Partner with local businesses and humanitarian actors to source and deliver clean water, hygiene kits, food, temporary shelters and medicine.

• Assist with debris removal and temporary shelter setup in affected areas.

Time is running out to save lives and prevent further suffering. Donations will go towards helping people in Myanmar who need our support. We’ll continue to update this page with more information from our local team on the ground about what’s happening and how you can support the people of Myanmar.

Please donate now to help.

Looking Ahead

In the wake of the earthquake, the widespread use of single-use plastics, especially water bottles and food containers, has surged as survivors and volunteers rely on quick, accessible resources. To address this growing waste problem, BuMa Myanmar is working with local partners to collect and divert plastic waste from landfills, integrating it into our "Trash to Treasure" initiative/ We will also explore the use of recycled and upcycled materials through our Trash to Treasure program to support low-cost rebuilding efforts.

Our Experience in Emergency Response and Recovery

In 2023, in response to the devastating earthquake that hit Türkiye, Building Markets mobilized swiftly to support local communities. Our team immediately connected local business leaders to assess urgent needs and deliver targeted relief. By providing free workspaces, cash transfers, and partnering on community food relief efforts, we empowered communities to respond to crisis and transition to recovery.