An alarming humanitarian situation
On 28 March 2025, large parts of Southeast Asia were rocked by a severe earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale. In Myanmar, where 28 million people live in the worst-affected areas, the scale of the disaster is dramatic: millions of people have lost their homes and are suffering from acute shortages of food, water and access to medical care. In the Sagaing region, more than 60% of buildings have been completely destroyed. In a country already weakened by years of armed conflict, political instability, food insecurity and inflation, the earthquake has further exacerbated the precarious situation of the population. This is particularly true in rural areas, where access to basic services was already limited.
Rapid and effective aid from our Swiss partner organisations on the ground
Many of our Swiss partner organisations have been working in Myanmar for several years and have extensive experience and strong partnerships with local organisations, enabling them to provide rapid and effective assistance with water, food and hygiene items immediately after the earthquake. We are in close contact with them and are closely monitoring the projects we support. This ensures that they meet the most urgent needs of the affected population and benefit those who need them most.
Our support in pictures
In these parts of the country, the Swiss Solidarity provides urgent and essential aid.
Terre des hommes treats more than 4,000 people through a mobile clinic, provides shelter for 2,000 families, installs temporary latrines and protects children separated from their loved ones.
Helvetas supports more than 34,000 vulnerable people in Mandalay and Sagaing with direct financial aid.
Caritas is helping 2,000 families in Mandalay with cash assistance, hygiene kits, water, fuel and safe spaces for children.
Projects supported to date
We are currently supporting eight humanitarian aid projects run by our Swiss partner organisations:
- Helvetas: In cooperation with two local organisations, Helvetas is providing direct financial aid to over 34,000 particularly vulnerable people in Mandalay and Sagaing to help them meet their basic needs.
- Caritas: In Mandalay, 2,000 families are receiving financial support, hygiene and dignity kits, and sanitation facilities. The aid also includes the distribution of water, fuel for relief transports and protected spaces for children.
- Save the Children provides financial assistance to around 15,000 people in Mandalay.
- Solidar Suisse: In Kyaukse and Myittha (Mandalay), almost 3,000 families are receiving financial support to cover their basic needs.
- SwissAid: In Shan State, almost 9,000 people are being provided with food, 800 families are receiving cooking equipment, 1,000 families are receiving help with emergency shelter and 200 women are being provided with hygiene items.
- HEKS: In several communities in Mandalay, HEKS is providing direct financial support to over 3,500 families in cooperation with local partners.
- Medair: In Mandalay, Sagaing and Shan states, Medair is providing direct financial assistance and psychosocial support to over 15,000 people.
- Terre des hommes: In Mandalay State, Terre des hommes is operating a mobile clinic to provide healthcare to more than 4,000 people. The organisation is also providing emergency shelter materials for 2,000 families, installing temporary toilets and working to reunite families and protect unaccompanied minors.
Other situation points
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Myanmar: How your solidarity is helping thousands of families after the earthquake
15.05.2025Nearly two months after the severe earthquake that shook Southeast Asia on 28 March 2025, Swiss Solidarity is funding eight humanitarian projects run by its Swiss partner organisations in Myanmar, providing life-saving aid to thousands of families affected by the disaster.
