A sense of community in times of need
“SWISSAID’s emergency aid is a glimmer of hope for the future,” testifies Daw Aye Po, who lives just a stone’s throw away from Inle Lake.
When Myanmar was struck by a devastating earthquake on 28 March 2025, she was out in the fields tending to her harvest. The 7.7-magnitude quake claimed over 3,500 lives and injured more than 5,000 people. Critical infrastructure – such as houses, roads and bridges – were destroyed.
Countless people were torn from their everyday lives in an instant — including Daw Aye Po. The sound of the shaking earth surpassed anything she had imagined before. When she returned to her house, the destruction was overwhelming — all her possessions were lost. But support came quickly. She is one of over 7,000 people who received a month’s worth of food from SWISSAID. In addition, more than 300 households were provided with kitchen utensils and hygiene kits, and over 600 families were supported in building temporary shelters.
Daw Htay Htay Win, a mother of three, shares: “We had lost hope, but the helpers brought us joy.”
She is referring to the volunteers who work for SWISSAID’s partner organisations. Their support goes beyond distributing supplies: they listen, offer comfort and foster a sense of belonging within the affected communities.
Resilience: women and their vital role
In these difficult times, women in particular play a central role: while many men are busy trying to rebuild their homes, women are organising themselves. What do the families need most? How can scarce resources be used wisely? They are engaging local and religious leaders to advocate for better healthcare, education, and financial assistance—all while ensuring their families have enough to eat. This resilience is personified by a mother who lives near Inle Lake. Her son was born just last September – a great blessing. But the earthquake destroyed her home and now she must start over. Still, she remains hopeful: “We are strong and will overcome this difficult time.”
A network of local partners
Despite these efforts, the situation in Myanmar remains challenging. In recent years the country has endured multiple crises, and the earthquake has deepened the hardship for many people.
Drawing on more than 30 years of local experience, SWISSAID responded swiftly: its existing programmes were adapted and emergency aid was mobilised. With CHF 500,000, affected families are receiving essential food, kitchen utensils, and materials to repair their homes.
Thanks to its broad network of trusted local partners, SWISSAID can provide targeted and effective assistance. This collaborative approach allows the aid programme to be adjusted quickly and efficiently to meet the urgent needs of a severely affected population.
Find out how SWISSAID provides emergency relief here.
