Press Releases

The needs remain immense: Tens of thousands of families in Myanmar are still living in simple tents and makeshift camps – without protection, hygiene or privacy. Three months ago, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake shook the region around Mandalay and the capital Naypyidaw in the southeast Asian country. Over 3,800 people lost their lives and hundreds of thousands lost their homes. Schools, hospitals, roads and basic infrastructure were destroyed or severely damaged. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), two million people are in urgent need of aid following the earthquakes.

Rapid emergency response thanks to local expertise

Thanks to over ten years of work in Myanmar and great solidarity from Switzerland, Helvetas was able to work with local partners to provide emergency aid in the first few days after the disaster. So far, 7,200 households have received multipurpose cash assistance. This has allowed over 36,000 people to obtain the most urgent items, such as drinking water, food, medicine or hygiene products.

"The people are severely traumatized and are still suffering from the consequences of the disaster. We are now supporting them so that they can have opportunities on the ground again as quickly as possible and lead a life in safety, dignity and with prospects for the future," says Prabin Manandhar, who is in charge of the Helvetas program in Myanmar.

Bridge between emergency response and medium-term support

Following the acute emergency aid, Helvetas is now starting the next phase of relief together with local partner organizations. It will focus on providing humane accommodation and vital aid in the most affected communities in the regions, including:

The construction of earthquake-proof houses, including toilets, and in the reconstruction of partially damaged buildings; local building materials are used to strengthen the regional economy

Training for construction workers and households to ensure safe construction and repair techniques

Continued targeted cash flow for urgent items such as food, water, hygiene products and medical care

Hygiene education – also to prevent outbreaks of disease

Psychosocial support and grievance mechanisms for the population

In the medium term, Helvetas supports the population in rebuilding their livelihoods, for example by revitalizing local agriculture and small businesses. Specifically, small farmers receive seeds and local craftspeople receive training in earthquake-proof construction and other training, or are paid for clean-up work. In all activities, Helvetas emphasizes the inclusion of particularly vulnerable population groups – such as single women or people with disabilities.