As the death toll surpasses 3,500 and nearly 5,000 people remain injured, with 200 still missing, the impact of the Myanmar earthquake continues to unfold.
Two weeks after the disaster, the local Church and global Caritas members are continuing efforts to respond to the humanitarian situation, which is affecting an estimated 17.2 million people in Mandalay and Sagaing, the earthquake’s epicenter.
“We are witnessing a catastrophic situation, with widespread destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure,” said Caroline Brennan, a member of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) humanitarian response team currently in Bangkok.
“Families are experiencing enormous distress, loss, and fear,” Brennan told LiCAS News. “Many have lost their belongings and their life’s assets and are unsure how they will rebuild their lives. For now, their focus is on feeding their children and keeping them safe from disease and harm, especially when living outdoors.”
According to initial assessments, 47,054 houses have been damaged, including 11,913 destroyed. In addition, 2,019 schools, 178 hospitals, 5,172 pagodas, and 3,460 religious buildings have also sustained damage.
Local responders continue to face challenges in recovering bodies and clearing debris due to limited resources. Damaged infrastructure is also affecting access to services and complicating recovery.
“With the looming monsoon season, there is great worry about how they will withstand the heavy rains and potential flooding. The needs are urgent for safe shelter, clean water, and hygiene supplies,” Brennan added.
Local Church partners have been reaching affected communities and delivering initial assistance. Global Caritas members are supporting these efforts through coordination and resource mobilization. Rapid Needs Assessments have been conducted, and initial relief distributions have begun.
Items provided include fortified biscuits, high-energy food packs, and instant noodles; tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets, and kitchen sets; clean drinking water; and cash assistance for urgent needs such as food and hygiene products.
Displaced families in public buildings are reporting inadequate hygiene facilities and lack of privacy. Repeated aftershocks have deterred some individuals from returning to their homes, resulting in many taking shelter outdoors during the country’s hottest and driest period.
Temperatures have reached 42°C in recent days. Health risks have been reported due to limited access to clean water, inadequate shelter, and ongoing exposure to trauma-related injuries and waterborne diseases.
While no major outbreaks have been confirmed, there are concerns over potential cases of diarrhea and infection due to damaged water systems and overcrowded shelters.
Local Church partners have identified emergency food and shelter, access to drinking water, healthcare, and cash assistance as immediate priorities. Other identified needs include protection, psychosocial support, and the recovery of disrupted markets.
Efforts are underway to scale up operations, with additional personnel being recruited to expand the response.
“We feel the support of the global Church at this time of great adversity,” Brennan said, “and in support of the local Church in helping the most vulnerable families pick up the pieces, begin to heal, and rebuild their lives.”
International aid organizations have begun coordinating with the local Church and other actors to support affected communities in Myanmar.
