Urgent Help For Myanmar Earthquake Survivors

Dear Friends,

As we wrap up four months of impactful earthquake response in Myanmar, here are the highlights:

DISASTER OVERVIEW

On March 28th, 2025, an earthquake with magnitude 7.7 and depth of 10 km struck about 19 km north-west of Mandalay, Myanmar.  12 minutes later an aftershock of magnitude 6.4 intensified the impact of the disaster. Fatality figures range between 3,600-5,400 with hundreds still missing and many thousands injured.  Tremors from the powerful quake impacted several neighboring countries, includingThailand, where a 33-story building under construction collapsimpactful eaed burying 100+ workers under the rubble.

SUMMARY OF OUR RESPONSE

Our Disaster Assessment Response Team (DART) was on the ground:

• One day after the Earthquake, AHAH made the decision to respond, with a previous staff member already in Bangkok and the IRM and additional DART members on the way. 
• Between March 30th and April 21st, DART was on the ground in Thailand, starting in Bangkok and connecting with international NGOs as well as attending coordination meetings and INGO forums, then moving to Chiang Mai and connecting with Myanmar-based organisations, grassroots initiatives and research groups. 
• In the first week, DART was able to identify an in-country partner and provide financial support for a Cash Assistance program. In the second week on the ground, DART identified an NFI distribution program and also supported with financial assistance. This provided immediate and critically needed support in the first weeks after the Earthquake

• Once the ground team left, AHAH was able to support remotely by providing funding for a WASH program with partners IsraAID and CMMDA (local Myanmar organisation). 
• The WASH project ran from May to July in 12 communities most affected in the regions of Mandalay, Sagaing and Inle. The project’s main scopes of work were borehole reconstruction, provision of water filters, and psychosocial support. This project not only met the immediate needs of water and sanitation, but also provided a long-term, sustainable solution for the communities. 

OUR IMPACT IN MYANMAR

Within a week of the Earthquake striking, we were able to support a Myanmar-based organisation with provision of cash assistance to reach the most vulnerable communities and provide urgent needs in the initial days after the Earthquake. This first project supported at least 400 individuals with supplies that lasted a minimum of a week.

Within two weeks of the Earthquake, we were able to support our in-country partner with an NFI distribution program to multiple affected areas in Myanmar. These kits included drinking water, shelter materials, water filters, clothing and hygiene kits. Through this project, we were able to support at least 500 families, or roughly 4000 individuals.

Local volunteers supported the packing and loading of these items, working around the clock to make sure they were ready before the 12-day holiday period for the Water Festival and Myanmar New Year.

Between Mid-May and End of July, AHAH partnered with IsraAID and CMMDA on a joint WASH program, providing Borehole rehabilitation, water filtration systems, as well as MHPSS services to 12 communities in the hardest-hit areas of Myanmar. This project impacted 9,220 individuals providing both immediate and long-term impacts for the communities.

PARTNERSHIPS

Airlink - Provided flights to all team members flying internationally. 

In-country Partner - First partnership through which AHAH was able to support with Cash Assistance and NFI Distribution.

IsraAID and CMMDA - An INGO and Myanmar-based organisation with whom AHAH was able to complete the WASH project.  

We are deeply appreciative of the interest in this program from the GlobalGiving community.  Thank you!