Myanmar earthquake update

Three months after a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar, families are still rebuilding - supported by CAFOD’s local partners.

March’s earthquake caused severe damage to buildings, homes and water systems, particularly across the Mandalay and Sagaing regions. Entire communities were shaken, both physically and emotionally.

James, one of our local partners, was in Yangon when the earthquake struck: “People, when I asked, were traumatised … they only spent overnight in the outside of the buildings on the road sides or some in the playground.”

Within hours of the earthquake, local experts were on the ground assessing needs and responding. With the support of the local Church and wider community, urgent relief reached families quickly, including bottled water, dry food and shelter materials. In the days that followed, communities rallied together, offering what they had to support neighbours in need.

As Myanmar now faces the arrival of the monsoon season, those without safe shelter remain at risk. Many homes are still uninhabitable, and fears of further tremors have left families sleeping outside. Children and elderly people, in particular, are struggling with the emotional toll.

After such a traumatic event, mental health support is just as important as food and shelter, as James explains: “Many people, especially the children, are feeling traumatised. They are afraid of this earthquake … even if the building looks still strong, they dare not live inside.”

With your continued support, CAFOD and our local partners are helping families begin the long process of recovery. This work is grounded in trust, local leadership and the dignity of each person affected.

“We do not lose our hope,” James says. “Your prayers, your support, will be very much important, very much helpful to make peace in Myanmar.”