In the wake of the catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, Disaster Tech Lab has been closely monitoring the situation. The earthquake has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction across the region. In response to the urgent need for assistance, we are deploying an advance team to assess the damage, collaborate with local partners and responding organizations, and conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to guide our relief efforts.

Current Situation Overview

The earthquake’s epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, causing severe damage throughout the country and affecting neighboring regions. As of March 29, reports indicate.

• Casualties and Injuries: At least 1,002 fatalities and over 2,376 injuries have been reported in Myanmar. 

• Infrastructure Damage: Extensive destruction includes the collapse of buildings, bridges, and dams. Notably, the Ava Bridge, a critical transport link, has collapsed.

• Neighboring Countries: In Thailand, significant damage has been reported in Bangkok, with the collapse of high-rise buildings resulting in casualties and numerous individuals trapped under debris. 

Impact on Telecommunications Infrastructure

The earthquake has severely disrupted telecommunications services:

• Service Interruptions: In Yangon, phone lines were downed, and telecommunications services were disabled from the time of the earthquake.

• Power Outages: Widespread electricity outages have further hindered the operation of communication networks, delaying restoration efforts.

• Network Congestion: A surge in communication attempts has led to network congestion, complicating emergency response and coordination efforts.

Disaster Tech Lab’s Response

Recognizing the critical need for reliable communication in disaster response, Disaster Tech Lab is deploying an advance team to Myanmar. The objectives of this deployment include:

1. Damage Assessment: Conducting on-the-ground evaluations of the telecommunications infrastructure to identify key areas requiring immediate intervention.

2. Collaboration: Engaging with local partners, governmental agencies, and international organizations to coordinate efforts and share resources effectively.

3. Needs Assessment: Determining the specific communication needs of affected communities and responders to tailor our support appropriately.

Our team will focus on restoring critical communication channels to facilitate efficient rescue and relief operations. We will provide updates as our assessment progresses and as we implement solutions to support the affected populations.

Call for Support

We invite volunteers, donors, and partners to join us in this urgent mission. Your support can make a significant difference in restoring communication capabilities, which are vital for effective disaster response and recovery.
Please use the donation form below to support and enable our mission.
Thank you!