Lives Rebuilt: Personal Stories from Myanmar’s Earthquake Recovery

When the devastating earthquakes struck central Myanmar in March 2025, the damage extended far beyond collapsed buildings and shattered infrastructure. Entire communities were uprooted, forced to confront another harsh reality on top of the already reeling years of political and socioeconomic crisis.

Despite the destruction and uncertainty, the spirit of resilience shines through. Across the affected regions, families and individuals are navigating hardship with courage, supported by essential health services and humanitarian aid.

Here are the voices of some who are rebuilding their lives amid the challenges.

“I’m doing my best to provide for my family during this difficult time.”
MA Su Naing, 36, is pregnant with her eighth child. She used to sell chickens to support her family, but the earthquake destroyed her home and disrupted her livelihood. Now living with her mother and seven children in Tarliswa Camp, Mandalay, she is grateful for the health care and supplies she receives. “I am healthy, happy, and regularly check my pregnancy at the local clinic,” she says. WHO and partners have also provided her community with water filters to ensure clean drinking water. Slowly, Ma Su Naing is restarting her business, determined to care for her family despite the challenges.

While Ma Su Naing is doing her best to provide her family, the disaster has left Ma Khine Hnin Wai from another camp in Mandalay worry about her family’s future amidst the uncertainty. 

“I don’t know what the future holds.”
Ma Khine Hnin Wai, 25, a mother of two boys, lives in the same camp. Before the disaster, she helped sell goods to support her family. Her house was destroyed, and she has been living here for three months. While grateful for food aid and access to clinics, she worries about the future. “My husband works far away, and I can’t work now because I have to care for my young children. We need more financial support,” she explains. Ma Khine Hnin Wai visits the nearby clinic regularly to ensure her children’s health, but uncertainty looms over her family’s recovery.

Despite these challenges, community volunteers like Ma Pyay Pyay Mon are stepping up to provide support and hope to their neighbours.

“Helping others keeps me going, but we need more volunteers to support those in need.”
Eighteen-year-old Ma Pyay Pyay Mon volunteers at Kan Ywar Camp, assisting vulnerable families. “The first week was the hardest—there was no aid—but now things are better. Everyone has enough food, but financial challenges remain as people cannot yet return to work. People here help each other a lot, and that support is crucial.”

She also added, “I’ve helped with health awareness and giving lists of people needing support to aid organizations. MHAA and IOM visit weekly with clinics,” she says. While skin infections exist, she has not seen cases of acute watery diarrhea (AWD). Ma Pyay Pyay Mon urges for more health education and vaccinations in the camp, especially for women. “Many don’t know the importance of vaccines or hygiene.”

For some, the path to recovery is not only about community support but also physical healing and regaining independence.

Caption: Ko Htay Min Kyaw, injured during the recent Myanmar earthquake.
Photo: © WHO Myanmar/Yin Yin Mon
 

“I am eager to recover for my family.”
Ko Htay Min Kyaw, 33, a person with disabilities, was selling eggs before the earthquake struck while he was praying at a mosque. Now living in a camp on a football field, he receives visits from doctors who check his pain. “I can only walk a few steps and use a wheelchair for now,” he explains. Ko Htay Min Kyaw has lost weight due to his injuries but is determined to regain strength. “I need to recover so I can work for my children and family.”

A community struggling, yet unbroken & WHO’s people centered response

The hardships these individuals face reflect the wider struggles of millions displaced by the earthquake. Safe water, sanitation, and health services remain limited, and the approaching monsoon season brings the threat of disease outbreaks.

To help communities recover with dignity and strength WHO works to restore essential services and build resilience in earthquake-affected communities. Over 3,100 mothers and newborns have been supported with clean delivery kits and mother-baby packs. Emergency response kits have reached 50,000 people to help prevent disease outbreaks in crowded shelters.

For those with chronic illnesses and disabilities, WHO is providing noncommunicable disease medications and assistive devices to 18,000 beneficiaries, supporting treatment and mobility. Mental health and psychosocial support materials have been distributed to over 61,000 people, including frontline workers, to help cope with trauma and build resilience. To ensure safe drinking water, WHO has installed 30 water filters at clinics and midwife locations across key regions, providing clean water to more than 13,500 people each month.

Much more support is needed for effective recovery of the affected communities

“Despite these vital efforts, much more is needed to adequately support vulnerable individuals like Ma Su Naing, Ko Htay Min Kyaw, and countless others,” said Dr. Thushara Fernando, WHO Representative to Myanmar. He added, “increased funding and sustained access to essential services are crucial to prevent further hardship and help communities build a safer, healthier future.”

As Myanmar continues its journey toward recovery from this devastating disaster, WHO remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable populations. WHO works closely with local partners and relevant organizations to ensure that essential services and support are delivered effectively and sustainably. Together, WHO aims to uphold the dignity and resilience of affected communities, helping them rebuild stronger and healthier for the future.

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