11:41, 03 April 2025
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
Here’s everything you need to know about the earthquake in Myanmar, and how you can donate to make sure those affected are being helped.
On 28 March 2025, Myanmar was shaken by a 7.7 magnitude tremor, which was even felt in China, Thailand and India.
Aftershocks have continued to rock the region, some as strong as a magnitude of 5.1.
More than 3,000 lives have sadly been lost in the earthquake and its aftershocks, with around 4,500 reporting injuries.
Buildings and bridges have been flattened, and roads have been destroyed as a result of the quake, leaving the country reeling.
If you are caught in an earthquake like the one in Myanmar, there are some key steps you can take to keep yourself safe.
If you are outside, stay there - move away from buildings, streetlamps, and other large structures that may potentially fall due to tremors.
If you are inside, you should DROP to the ground, take COVER under sturdy furniture or a loadbearing doorway, and HOLD ON. Stay away from glass, windows, and anything that may fall onto you.
If you want to help but don’t know where to start, here are a number of charities you can donate to. These UK charities are currently appealing for donations to help with disaster relief, and even the smallest amount of assistance can go a long way.
The DEC is a coalition of 15 charities which come together in times of crisis to provide disaster relief. They have launched an appeal for donations from people across the UK to provide help in Myanmar, which will be matched pound-for-pound by the UK government up to the tune of £5 million.
The DEC is made up of humanitarian aid charities such as Oxfam, the British Red Cross and Action Aid.
The Post Office, a partner of the DEC, is also accepting donations to the DEC by cash and card across 11,500 branches and Payzones.
Visit the DEC website to donate
REACT is a disaster response charity that has already mobilised highly trained Response Teams to Myanmar.
These volunteer teams provide relief in hard-to-reach areas in the wake of humanitarian crises and are currently moving to assist those affected by the earthquake on the ground in Myanmar.
Their Response Teams will be working closely with other aid providers to help as many people as possible, identifying any gaps in assistance, and making sure they are filled.
Visit the REACT website to donate
ShelterBox is an independent charity that provides families with emergency shelter and tools in the wake of disasters, working to ensure no one is ever without shelter.
They are currently appealing for donations so that they can send help to regions in Myanmar and Thailand where the earthquake has devastated buildings and left people homeless.
They have already deployed a team in Thailand to connect with people on the ground, and helping to supply tools like water filters to those affected.
Visit the ShelterBox website to donate
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The British Red Cross. This charity helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. They are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts. Support them here.
CARE International UK. CARE is there to help people when they need it most. They are one of the world's leading humanitarian agencies, delivering life-saving assistance when disaster strikes. Find out more here.
Goods for Good. This is an organisation which offers global humanitarian aid by transporting donations such as industry overstock from generous partners to help communities in need. Learn more here.
Disaster Emergency Committee
REACT
Action Against Hunger
Age International
Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)
Christian Aid
Concern Worldwide
International Rescue Committee
Islamic Relief
Plan International
World Vision
