No one could have foreseen the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar just after lunchtime on 28 March 2025. The powerful magnitude 7.7 quake, with its epicentre located about 20 kilometres northeast of Mandalay Region, sent shock waves across much of the country and even reached its neighbouring countries. The strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock followed just 12 minutes later, accompanied by numerous subsequent tremors that continued to shake the country.
The quake caused severe damage and disruption across many regions and states, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency in six areas, namely Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Shan, Nay Pyi Taw and Bago. As of 28 April 2025, the National Disaster Management Committee of Myanmar reported that the number of affected people in the hardest-hit areas, including Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Mandalay and Shan, had risen to 491,345. Many people were displaced as their homes were destroyed and critical infrastructures were heavily damaged. According to a report released in June 2025 by the United Nations University-Institute for Water, Environment and Health, over 3,600-5,350 lives were lost and more than 11,000 people were injured, making it Myanmar’s deadliest earthquake in nearly a century.
First batch of 3,500 MT of rice rapidly reached those in urgent need
Within just one week after the disaster, the APTERR Council approved the immediate release of 3,500 MT of rice contribution by the People’s Republic of China (P.R. China) and the Republic of Korea (ROK), which had already been pre-positioned in Myanmar, to address the urgent food requirements of affected people.
Of this total, 3,000 MT from the ROK were distributed to assist affected communities in Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Mandalay and Shan, while 500 MT from P.R. China were provided to those affected in Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay, two of the most severely hit areas. This rapid response helped alleviate the immediate food shortages faced by hundreds of thousands of quaked-affected families.
Additional 3, 275 MT of rice to support recovery and resilience
As recovery efforts continued amid the looming monsoon season, which threatened to worsen living conditions, the Department of Agriculture (DOA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation of Myanmar, promptly submitted an urgent request for additional rice assistance through APTERR.
Responding swiftly, both P.R China and the ROK further showed their generosity by contributing an additional 3,275 MT of rice, consisting of 275 MT from P.R. China and 3,000 MT, to sustain food security and help affected people to rebuild their lives. This expanded effort prolonged the duration of food assistance in the most affected areas by an additional half-month, ensuring continued relief for vulnerable communities.
To date, a total of 6,775 MT of rice from P.R. China (775 MT) and the ROK (6,000 MT) has been provided through APTERR to support Myanmar’s emergency response and recovery efforts. This contribution represents not only a lifeline of sustenance but also a symbol of solidarity and hope for communities striving to recover and rebuild their futures.
Continued rice support for Myanmar’s food security and emergency preparedness
The earthquake’s devastating impact has further deepened the vulnerabilities of communities already facing conflict and displacement, particularly in Mandalay and Sagaing, which together host over 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). These challenges have posed serious threats to the nation’s food security and recovery capacity.
To strengthen Myanmar’s emergency preparedness and ensure future readiness, APTERR will pre-position 2,375 MT of rice in the country for FY2025, which consists of 375 MT from P.R. China and 2,000 MT from the ROK. This APTERR rice will be strategically maintained to provide timely and effective rice assistance in response to any future emergencies.
The APTERR Secretariat, in close collaboration with the DOA of Myanmar, continues to work hand in hand to enhance food security and resilience amid the growing challenges posed by natural disasters and climate change. APTERR reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring that those in need are not only fed but also inspired with hope for a better tomorrow.
𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒕: Department of Agriculture (DOA), Myanmar 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑃𝑇𝐸𝑅𝑅 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑡
