Standing in solidarity with the people of Myanmar

EPA/Al Jazeera

ICIMOD expresses our deepest condolences to the people of Myanmar in the wake of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake of March 28, 2025.

We are heartbroken by the immense loss of life, the suffering of those affected, and the widespread destruction that has shaken communities in Sagaing, Mandalay, Kyaukse, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Shwebo.

1,644 people are known to have lost their lives in this tragedy, but many remain missing and there are fears that the death toll may rise dramatically.

Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, to the families anxiously waiting for news of the missing, and to the countless individuals who now find themselves without homes, livelihoods, or a sense of normalcy in the wake of the massive destruction the earthquake and aftershocks have brought.

This destruction extends from homes and places of worship and historic landmarks to key infrastructure, including airports – impacts that further complicate the already-difficult relief efforts.

The pain of the loss felt across Myanmar is immeasurable, and we recognize the immense challenges ahead.

At this moment we salute the courage and compassion of emergency responders, humanitarian workers, and local communities who are right now rescuing those trapped, tending to the injured, providing shelter, and offering solace.

Myanmar has been a founding partner in ICIMOD since our foundation in 1983, with deep historic, cultural and environmental ties to our shared ecological home, and this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance regional cooperation, and build resilience against natural, as well as climate, disasters.

It is heartening to see partners in our region, alongside others in the global community, rally around to support Myanmar with the disaster response.

In the months and years to come, as the emergency response work concludes, we hope for unity and sustained determination to support the people of Myanmar on their path to longer-term rebuilding, and resilience.

In the meantime, we grieve with the people of Myanmar and send our unwavering support and strength as you navigate these difficult days.

Pema Gyamtsho