DONATE

What is happening in Myanmar?

Myanmar has been struck by a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake, causing widespread destruction. This is a huge humanitarian crisis.

The earthquake was followed by a significant aftershock of 6.4M approximately 12 minutes later. Tremors were felt as far as Thailand and China when the epicentre of the earthquake hit central Myanmar. Another significant earthquake of 5.5M struck central Myanmar just two weeks after the 7.7 quake.

One million people have been forced from their homes. Across Myanmar, people are missing or feared dead, their homes turned to rubble. For thousands, the only option is to live in damaged homes, flee, or sleep the current conflict makes displacement within Myanmar even more dangerous. Heavy rains are further complicating relief efforts.

People need urgent humanitarian assistance.

What difficulties do people face following the earthquake?

In Myanmar, the devastating earthquake has intensified an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Large numbers of people are forced to sleep outside. Food supplies are low, with 15.2 million people at risk of food insecurity prior to the quake. Without clean drinking water, the risk of disease is extreme. Medical support is stretched thin, and the lack of shelter means families are exposed to harsh conditions with no protection.

The ongoing conflict is making rescue efforts even harder. People are desperately searching for missing loved ones, but with restricted access, many remain trapped or missing. The recovery of bodies is becoming increasingly difficult as communities struggle to find and bury their dead amidst the destruction.

This latest disaster has pushed the people of Myanmar to the brink. Already surviving through conflict and displacement, their resilience is a testament to their strength – but as conditions deteriorate, survival becomes even harder.

ShelterBox is responding, to provide shelter repairs, as well as emergency household items to support people. We need your support to reach those who need help the most.

Please, if you can, donate today.

Donate now

What are the challenges to responding in Myanmar?

Myanmar is at war – this adds layers of complexity to an already challenging response. Organisations working in Myanmar need relevant permissions, and travel to affected areas is extremely limited. Importing aid into Myanmar and then moving it to where it is needed is extremely complicated.

The political and security environment is complex, but we’re working hard to get emergency assistance to those who need it most.

Your support is crucial in making this response possible.

How is Myanmar in a crisis within a crisis?

How is ShelterBox responding? 

ShelterBox has launched a comprehensive response to support communities affected by the devastating earthquake in Myanmar. We’re reaching 1,000 highly vulnerable households across Mandalay and Southern Shan State – focusing on people who have received little or no support, including those living in the open or in overcrowded displacement sites.

Shelter repairs and our pilot project

Our response is tailored to the specific needs of each household. Repairs are designed to withstand the rainy season and provide shade from intense heat. Aid varies by location:

  • Dry areas: Robust timber shelters
  • Wet areas: Bamboo frames with corrugated iron roofs and fixings

 

Local carpenters and masons are at the heart of this effort.

Our partner has completed repairs to hundreds of damaged homes. They’re seeing that in some communities, people have been able to make their own repairs to houses made from bamboo, so we’re adjusting our project to repair more timber-framed homes.

Essential aid beyond shelter

To address urgent needs beyond shelter, we’re also providing:

  • Water filters, buckets, and hygiene kits to combat disease
  • Solar lights and flashlights for safety, comfort, and phone charging
  • Kitchen sets so families can prepare and share meals

Local sourcing and distribution

 

Distributions began in July, ahead of the peak rainy season. Given the logistical challenges and high costs of importing aid, we’re sourcing items locally – supporting both communities and markets.

Increased attacks and widespread flooding over the last couple of months is making the response more challenging. It’s also impacting the availability of materials. We’re aiming for all repairs to be completed by the end of January.

Donate now

A Mother’s Strength: Thiri’s Story

Just moments after giving birth via C-section, Thiri’s hospital room began to shake violently. The 25-year-old mother had barely seen her newborn when the 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck.

I looked around and saw everything shaking violently, with many things being destroyed.

Her mother shielded her from falling debris as Thiri, still dizzy from anesthesia, tried to stand and protect her children. With the hospital collapsing, her family carried her outside. For days, they sheltered on the ground with no food, water, or medical care.

Eventually, they reached a displacement camp — but the challenges continued:

“As soon as we got there, another earthquake struck. The heat was intense, the baby couldn’t sleep or drink. We had to find shade.”

Despite the trauma, Thiri remains resilient:

“I pray to Buddha that no more disasters happen again. My baby is in good health, and I am proud to have delivered him despite the challenges.”

Read Thiri's story

How can I support people facing crisis?

Donate today – you can help us bring hope and relief to those who need it most. Every donation counts. Giving helps restore dignity, safety and hope to those who have lost everything.

Learn how we spend your money here.

You can also stay informed, and share on social media to raise awareness about the crisis people are facing in Myanmar.

Donate now

Your questions about the Myanmar earthquake answered

 

Where is Myanmar?

Myanmar, also referred to as Burma, is in northwest Southeast Asia.

It is bordered by India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand.

The countries affected by the earthquake include Myanmar, Thailand, China, Bangladesh, India and Laos.

 

 

What challenges are there when responding to an earthquake?

Earthquakes create massive logistical challenges, and Myanmar’s ongoing conflict makes this disaster even harder to respond to. A temporary ceasefire has been announced to allow help to reach the people who need it.

The ceasefire in earthquake affected areas is due to last until Tuesday 22 April, yet it’s not clear what will happen then or whether it will be extended. Fighting has been reported in some parts, and, in other areas, the war is still ongoing. This makes the situation extremely challenging. More needs to be done to allow aid agencies the access we need.

On top of this, there is also severe damage to infrastructure like power, water, phone networks, internet, airports, roads and bridges.

What is a ‘shallow earthquake’?

The shallower the earthquake, the more destructive an earthquake is likely to be. ‘Shallow’ earthquakes tend to be between 0 and 70km deep. This was a depth of just 10km.ct

What are the effect of earthquake aftershocks?

Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that happen after the largest shock of an earthquake sequence.

They are continuing and can make people fearful of returning home. They can continue over a period of weeks, months, or years, and the risk of further destruction remains high.

What was the situation in Myanmar before the earthquake?

Before the earthquake, Myanmar was already facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world.

The country has the fifth highest number of people in need globally, with over 20 million people struggling to survive. Millions are struggling to survive as active fighting continues, making daily life dangerous and uncertain.

Ongoing conflict had already displaced 3.5 million people, forcing families into temporary shelters and contributing to economic crisis.

Now, with more homes destroyed, people are living in unstable buildings or outside in the open, the crisis is dramatically worsening.

Thousands will remain displaced, with nowhere to go, without urgent humanitarian assistance.a

How can I help?

Donate Now

As climate change and conflict intensifies, environmental disasters are becoming more destructive each year, leaving countless families vulnerable.

Support people like Thiri and her family and help provide vital aid and shelter to those affected by extreme weather. 

Donate today stay informed