More than 3.5 million workers potentially affected by the devastating earthquake in Myanmar

A new brief by the ILO sheds light on the devastating impact of the recent earthquake on workers in Myanmar. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar with its epicenter near Mandalay, the nation’s second-largest city.

Before the earthquake, Mandalay had already experienced the strongest increase in poverty rates, likely due to declines in industrial output and reduced labour force participation.

The brief leveraged satellite data in combination with labour force survey data to provide a preliminary snapshot of the situation in the affected area. This innovative approach provides timely insights into the potential impact on livelihoods and aims to guide both the emergency response and medium-term support to help workers regain a foothold in the labour market. The ILO research estimates that upwards of 3.5 million workers were employed in the area directly impacted by the earthquake. This represents US$36.8 million in potential earnings lost per day (equivalent to US$9.6 billion in lost earnings per year) if these workers are unable to work or find quality employment elsewhere.

In light of this dire situation, the brief calls for immediate measures to support the restoration of livelihoods. Myanmar does not have a national social protection system, so humanitarian emergency cash assistance is urgently needed. In addition, employment promotion measures – particularly programmes focused on debris removal and reconstruction – should be fostered while upholding decent work principles. Such programmes must prioritize the most vulnerable, be conflict-sensitive, work through workers’ and employers’ organizations, and interact directly with community stakeholders.

Finally, concrete progress on the implementation of the ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations is critical to a sustainable recovery.