Yangon, 15 April 2025  - The powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that recently struck Myanmar has left behind an estimated 2.5 million tons of debris—equivalent to approximately 125,000 truckloads—according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yangon.

The damage assessment, conducted through advanced remote sensing technology, revealed extensive destruction across affected areas. In a press release, UNDP Myanmar highlighted that more than 10,000 homes and public buildings have been either significantly damaged or completely destroyed. Additionally, 128 healthcare facilities have sustained major damage, severely hampering the delivery of critical medical services to those in need.

UNDP noted that approximately 1.6 million buildings are located in zones exposed to seismic intensity level 7 or higher. Many of these structures were not built to withstand such powerful tremors, raising concerns about future earthquake resilience.

To carry out the assessment, UNDP integrated satellite-derived building damage classifications—categorized as destroyed, damaged, or possibly damaged—using data from UNOSAT and Copernicus. These were further combined with Microsoft’s building footprint data and structural data from the Global Human Settlement Layer, including building height and floor counts.

The organization emphasized the urgent need to begin large-scale recovery operations. Debris clearance is considered a critical first step in rebuilding infrastructure and homes, as well as restoring essential services. “With the data now available, rapid recovery efforts must begin immediately,” the UNDP stated.

The United Nations is working closely with both national authorities and international partners to support Myanmar’s earthquake response. UNDP stressed that timely debris removal and reconstruction efforts will be essential for long-term recovery and building greater resilience against future natural disasters.

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