Massive widespread communication and mobile service outages are reported across Myanmar, including Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyitaw, Sagaing, Myingyan, Kyaik Hto, Pyin Oo Lwin, Taung Gyi after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake centered around Sagaing on March 28,2025 at around 12:50 local time.

Following the earthquake, Mizzima reported damages toward the underground fiber cables that the junta have been using. Myanmar Internet Project (MIP) also observed that most of the government websites with “gov.mm” domains have been unreachable.

Although reports indicate that the earthquake resulted in multiple damage around infrastructure such Cell Phone Towers, Generators and power lines, local mobile operator giants have yet to provide a transparent reportage on service disruption.

Additionally, the disaster also caused a major impact on the electric and power infrastructure resulting in nationwide blackout. Yangon Electronic Supply Corporation (YESC) reported that Yangon, the most populous city, will only get electricity for 4 hours per day, until the repair of infrastructure damages are completed.

The junta announced a state of emergency in Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bego, North Eastern Shan state and Naypyidaw after the massive earthquake. However the junta continued to conduct airstrikes , Naung Cho, Shan state, Chaung Oo, Sagaing state and Phyu, Bego state, of which are in a state of emergency.

The military’s ongoing internet shutdowns have exacerbated the crisis. For years, the junta has cut off internet access and refuses to restore connectivity even during life-threatening emergencies. This was evident during the Category 5 cyclone in 2022 and now again following this deadly earthquake. The lack of internet access has severe implications for emergency services, hindering disaster response efforts, obstructing aid coordination, and leaving affected populations unable to reach out for help.

MIP observed and documented that there are over 130 internet shutdowns in 82 townships in 2024 alone. The disaster struck the populace, with the infrastructural damages and power cuts among the loss of many lives and homes facing a grim situation in internet shutdown effected areas. Additionally, the populace is facing natural disaster all the while being targeted by the junta because of the airstrikes to the disaster affected areas.

Myanmar Internet Project (MIP)

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