On Friday 28 March two earthquakes struck central Myanmar, a region home to an estimated 17 million people. The 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude earthquakes caused extensive damage, collapsing homes and buildings, displacing thousands and killing more than 3,800 people.
The devastating quakes left at least two and half million tonnes of debris in its wake needing to be removed, equating to a staggering 125,000 truckloads worth. Powerful aftershocks persisted in the months that followed, adding to the fear, trauma and uncertainty that people faced.
The numbers of people in need of support in Myanmar reached record levels, with almost 20 million people in need of aid, as well as an additional two million people in urgent need following the earthquakes.
With the help of your donations and funding from Irish Aid, Christian Aid’s local partner supported around 600 earthquake affected families (nearly 2,700 people) in the Mandalay region with cash so they could buy essentials such as food, drinking water and shelter materials as well as pay for medical care. A total of €170 in the local currency was provided to families whose homes were badly damaged or completely destroyed, as well as to those who lost their only source of income and particularly vulnerable families including those with elderly members.
Widow Myint Than, aged 69, was one of those supported by our local partner. Before the earthquake struck, Myint Than lived with her four adult children in her home in the Mandalay region. Just as the earthquakes struck, Myint Than was about to have lunch when one of the walls in her home suddenly collapsed, burying her beneath the rubble.
Half-covered by the fallen bricks, she struggled in pain and shock. The brunt of the force severely injured Myint Than’s thigh and hands. With the help of her children and neighbours, she was eventually pulled from beneath the debris and rushed to hospital where she remained for a week. Since the earthquakes, Myint Than continues to undergo regular medical check-ups.
Her recovery has been slow and she still struggles to walk properly, even with assistance.
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In addition to her injuries, the earthquake caused her house to collapse, destroying three handlooms in the process—the family’s only source of income. Before the quakes, Myint Than was already living with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and she now struggles to take care of herself.
I have never experienced such a violent tremor in my entire life. I was terrified and deeply worried about my children’s safety. Fear completely took over.
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The cash assistance provided to Myint Than was a big help to her and her family. She is using the cash to pay her medical expenses, including treatment and medication for her leg and hands. The support has provided much-needed relief, as her family is under financial strain and medical care remains costly. Myint Than also hopes to use some of the cash she received to pay for the rebuilding of her family home.
The cash assistance helps ease the burden on my children, especially during this difficult time.
Fifty-year-old construction worker U Aung also received support from our local partner. U Aung was living with his wife and two children in an old, dilapidated house in the Mandalay region. U Aung was getting dressed and his wife and teenage daughter were washing clothes when the earthquakes struck. He ran outside in panic and thankfully escaped injury, but tragically, the fragile wall and a statue from the neighbouring monastery fell onto their home, causing it to collapse. U Aung’s wife was buried under the rubble, with only her head visible, while his daughter’s left arm was trapped beneath the debris. Thankfully, his teenage son was not home at the time of the earthquakes and wasn’t injured.
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In a desperate attempt to save his wife and daughter, U Aung called for help and neighbours rushed to assist. Due to the severe impact and weight of the rubble, his wife sadly died from her injuries within minutes. His daughter was later rescued with the help of community members but due to the severity of her injuries, she now struggles with limited use of her fingers.
Despite the enormity of his loss, Christian Aid’s local partner were able to help U Aung at his time of need. Since the earthquakes, work opportunities have significantly decreased, reducing U Aung’s ability to earn an income. The cash assistance provided by Christian Aid’s local partner, thanks to funding from Irish Aid, has helped cover the family’s day to day costs. U Aung will also use the cash to pay for the rubble to be cleared from his home and for rebuilding works.
I am grateful for the support received—it gives me strength. Life will never be the same after losing my beloved wife. But I will try to provide the best I can for my children.
