The United Nations has reported a severe shortage of medical supplies in Myanmar and Thailand following the devastating earthquake. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated: "As the scale of the catastrophe becomes more apparent, urgent humanitarian aid is critically needed to support those affected." A lack of trauma kits, blood packs, anesthesia, and essential medications complicates the emergency response effort. Hospitals in Mandalay, Magway, and Naypyidaw are severely damaged or destroyed. Thousands remain homeless due to demolished homes.
Efforts are being coordinated for a rapid damage assessment. On March 30, a convoy of 17 trucks with medical supplies will arrive in Myanmar from China. The World Health Organization has dispatched three tons of medical supplies, including trauma kits and universal tents, from Yangon to hospitals in Mandalay and Naypyidaw.
Acting head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) delegation Marie Manrique reported that the death toll exceeds 1,600 people.