April 2025.
On March 28, Myanmar was struck by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.4 on the Richter scale. More than 5,300 people lost their lives, and up to 11,400 were injured. The actual figures are likely higher. Together with our partner organizations on the ground, Terre des Hommes vital support in the aftermath of the disaster – particularly in rural areas where emergency aid can be delivered free from the control of the military junta.
Rescue efforts and medical care were hampered by the political and military situation: Myanmar has been embroiled in a bloody conflict for more than four years. The military junta has imposed an internet blackout. Furthermore, in the areas it occupies, the junta regularly obstructs humanitarian aid, sometimes attacking or arresting aid workers. Just hours after the earthquake, the junta also resumed airstrikes against civilian targets in the provinces.
Terre des Hommes does not work with the military government in Myanmar , but instead advocates for internally displaced persons and refugee children and families: particularly in rural areas, which have often been under the provisional administration of the resistance groups – allied with the democratic government-in-exile – for years, our partner organizations can provide direct and urgently needed assistance without hindrance.
Help with a donationYour donation helps provide children and families in Myanmar with the essentials:
The people in the affected areas now need above all:
- Shelter: Thousands of homes have been destroyed, leaving families without safe housing. Temporary shelters, tents, and safe living spaces are urgently needed. It is crucial to protect children in these temporary and often overcrowded accommodations.
- Food and clean water: Many survivors lack reliable access to food and clean drinking water, increasing the risk of dehydration and malnutrition. This poses a particular danger to infants and malnourished children.
- Medical assistance: Injured people still urgently need medical care.
- Clothing and basic supplies: Many families have lost everything and need clothing, blankets, hygiene kits and kitchen utensils.
- Trauma assistance / Psychological support: Survivors, especially children, need emotional and psychological support to cope with the trauma of the disaster.
Donation widget for the Myanmar earthquake
The situation in rural areas
The earthquake struck Myanmar, a country already reeling from multiple crises. The civil war has claimed more than 50,000 lives nationwide, and millions have been displaced. This quake is also the second major disaster within a year: in September 2024, Typhoon Yagi struck the country, causing widespread destruction.
Our partner organizations report: The supply of clean drinking water, especially in rural areas, has been severely disrupted since the earthquake. The quake has now put further strain on the water infrastructure. Therefore, in addition to providing medical care for the injured, ensuring the supply of drinking water is an immediate priority.
"The survivors need food, clean water, medical care and shelter. Above all, the children need access to adequate nutrition, safe shelter and medicine to prevent malnutrition and disease."
Our partner organizations providing emergency relief on the ground
Equality Myanmar has been working successfully with Terre des Hommes for almost 20 years. The human rights organization coordinates emergency aid in refugee camps, primarily in Shan and Mandalay States, as well as along the Thai border.
HIMM provides aid for self-help, primarily benefiting children and young people: They receive training in the basics of trauma and emergency care, as well as in small animal husbandry and vegetable cultivation. HIMM has been Terre des Hommes partner since 2016.
