Rapid humanitarian action reaches thousands after devastating earthquake
Within 48 hours of the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, LIFT partners reached 16,000 people in affected areas with multipurpose cash assistance. Teams conducted door-to-door distribution of brown envelopes containing 360,000 Kyat (approximately US$85) per family to help them navigate the first chaotic weeks of recovery.
A Father's Grief
"Everything has collapsed, and I don't even know where to begin to restore our lives," shares Ko Soe Paing, 39, a father who tragically lost his five-year-old daughter in the earthquake. Living in a remote village in Sagaing Region, his family's situation is compounded by their isolation from relief efforts.
A field team leader from one of LIFT's partner organizations explains the challenges: "Though Sagaing is merely a bridge away from Mandalay, reaching people there remains complicated. We often need permission to access hard-to-reach communities."
Despite these obstacles, LIFT partners successfully connected with Ko Soe Paing in his temporary shelter, providing crucial cash assistance just days after the disaster. "I kept the envelope as a reminder of the support we received. I am sincerely grateful to the donors," Ko Soe Paing says, hoping to build a sturdy temporary shelter before the monsoon season begins.
While grieving the loss of their youngest daughter, Ko Soe Paing and his wife must also care for their older daughter, his elderly parents, and his 100-year-old grandmother. "The pension money my parents and grandmother relied upon is now buried under the rubble. The pain of losing my little girl weighs heavily on us all. Yet, the assistance we received was invaluable, and speaking with the volunteers made the experience slightly more bearable."
A Mother's Unimaginable Loss
Ma Sanda, 29, was working at the local market when the earthquake struck. After hearing news that her neighborhood preschool had collapsed, she rushed to the site to witness rescue efforts.
"I stood there, breath held tight, praying that my son would emerge with the others. But he was not among them," she recounts. Tragically, seven young children and their teacher lost their lives when the structure crumbled in an instant.
Despite overwhelming grief, Ma Sanda and her husband find solace in support from their local community in Sagaing City. They received funds from the preschool and later an envelope with cash from LIFT, distributed through a local organization.
"We intend to save the money for home repairs," she shares. Ma Sanda also planned a donation as a religious offering to commemorate one month since her son's passing. "I am still grappling with profound emotional distress," she adds quietly.
Communities United in Crisis
The humanitarian situation is further complicated by security concerns. "In some areas, grief is entangled with fear," explains a team leader. "People hesitate to speak out, especially when support has been scarce. Many are reluctant to seek refuge in designated temporary shelters, which is why we need to be present inside all villages to reach those who are truly vulnerable. Currently, cash support is their most pressing need."
U Aye, 63, echoes this reality. After the earthquake destroyed his bamboo home, he and his family—including two 80-year-old sisters—initially camped outdoors. When heavy rains flooded their yard a week later, neighbors took them in before they moved to a temporary shelter on nearby private land.
"By reusing materials from our old home, I hope to gather enough resources to build a safe shelter for my family before the monsoon arrives," U Aye explains. "The community provides us with food and drinking water, but we need a secure place to stay."
The Power of Local Response
These stories highlight both the profound impact of the earthquake and the remarkable resilience of affected communities. The rapid cash assistance provided by LIFT partners represents a critical lifeline for families struggling to rebuild, offering not just material support but also hope during an incredibly difficult time.
As monsoon season approaches, the race continues to ensure that vulnerable families have secure shelter and the resources they need to recover and rebuild their lives with dignity.
LIFT is a multi-donor fund working to improve the lives of people in Myanmar.
All photos © LIFT partners
