MYANMAR EARTHQUAKE
UPDATE 4: Tuesday 22 April
The Myanmar earthquake has faded from the news media now …
… but the front-line teams you support through ALWS are hard at work
(… and the ALWS family is, as always, kind and generous in helping!)
As things become clearer, I can give you more detail about our ALWS action. We join with caring people from across the world, working through their local aid agencies, to multiply the impact we make from Australia.
This is raw program detail, but I hope gives you clear insight into what you do through ALWS, partnering with other agencies committed to the people of Myanmar.
Your ALWS action is focused in four key areas:
- Sagaing
- Mandalay
- Southern Shan
- Nay Pyi Taw
Your ALWS action plans to help these people:
Working side-by-side with other partners, together we aim to reach these people:
Through ALWS, you help provde:
The great benefit of working with other partners is that we can do much more than we could on our own. Plus, different agencies have different areas of expertise, which means we can get best practice in all we support.
Rehabilitation/construction of communal WASH facilities
Communities are concerned about the risk of infectious diseases due to improperly managed corpses and lack of access to safe water and sanitation. Reports indicate widespread destruction of water systems, including broken boreholes and damaged pipe networks. The project will collaborate with village authorities and affected communities to identify suitable sites for rehabilitation of water points through community mobilizers and technicians.
The project will rehabilitate 20 water points in Mandalay, Sagaing, Nay Pyi Taw, and Southern Shan State, benefiting 1,000 people (51% women), with each unit serving up to 10 families.
Within 12 months, 80% of the target group (600 people, 51% women) will have access to at least 15 liters of water per person per day, ensuring safe drinking water, water for hygiene, and adequate sanitation facilities in the affected communities.
Construction of family latrines
UNICEF assessments highlight the destruction of over 43,500 latrines in earthquake-affected regions.
The ALWS-supported project will engage targeted households to select culturally appropriate sites for constructing 280 family latrines (70 units each in Mandalay, Sagaing, Nay Pyi Taw, and Southern Shan States).
This initiative will directly benefit 1,400 people, focusing on promoting good hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent waterborne and communicable diseases, especially before the monsoon season.
Family Hygiene Kits
The project will distribute family hygiene kits, containing towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and detergent, to 1,575 earthquake-affected households, providing two months’ worth of supplies. This includes 600 households in Mandalay, 700 in Sagaing, 200 in Nay Pyi Taw, and 475 in Southern Shan.
The aim is to support health, cleanliness, and dignity, with at least 400 people (51% women) demonstrating improved hygiene practices after 12 months.
Dignity Kits to Women/Girls
The project will distribute dignity kits, containing menstrual pads, bath soap, underwear, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, and accessories, to 1,600 women and girls, providing a two-month supply.
Distribution will be coordinated by local social groups, reaching 500 recipients in Mandalay, 700 in Sagaing, 200 in Nay Pyi Taw, and 200 in Southern Shan State.
The project will train and equip community mobilizers to conduct home visits and raise awareness on safe hygiene practices. This will ensure that men, women, and children have access to safe water and can practice proper hygiene in a dignified and culturally appropriate way.
Cash for Shelter Rehabilitation
The latest figures indicate nearly 50,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed in the earthquake-affected regions, with ongoing aftershocks posing further risks.
The project, in coordination with the Cash Working Group, UN partners, and local authorities, will provide cash for shelter to 200 families, 80 in Sagaing, and 60 each in Mandalay and Southern Shan.
Technicians will monitor the rehabilitation of shelters in collaboration with communities and local authorities.
Other Non-Food Items (NFIs) support
A total of 1,600 earthquake-affected families will receive essential non-food items (NFIs) such as mosquito nets, sleeping mats, tarpaulins/shelter kits, and kitchen utensils.
Distribution will reach 500 families in Mandalay, 600 in Sagaing, 200 in Nay Pyi Taw, and 300 in Southern Shan State.
Cash for food basket
483 people with disabilities have been identified.
The project will consult with affected communities to identify the specific needs of persons with disabilities (PwDs). A total of 250 assistive devices (40% for women and girls) will be procured and distributed across the four targeted regions. The project ensures an inclusive earthquake response by addressing the needs of PwDs through identification, participation and provision of assistive devices.
Livelihoods Support cash grants
In the early recovery phase, the project will provide cash grants to 650 vulnerable families to help restore income-generating activities and revive their existing businesses prior to the earthquake.
The selection will be made through consultation with community and local authorities. The support will focus on agriculture, livestock, and small enterprises.
Grants will be distributed to 200 families in Mandalay and Sagaing, and 100 families in Nay Pyi Taw and Southern Shan. The target is for at least 80% of participating households to successfully restore their livelihoods within 12 months.
Psychosocial support and referral services
The assessment revealed significant psychological distress among the affected population, particularly risks of violence, exploitation, and abuse, especially for women and girls in overcrowded shelters.
The project has allocated two Psychosocial Support Officers and four community mobilizers to conduct home visits and help.
The project will establish 8 safe spaces monitored by these Psychosocial Support Officers and community mobilizers to address protection and psychosocial needs, including gender-based violence mitigation.
Safe spaces offer Psychological First Aid (PFA) and referral services, sporting kits for youth, and assistance for people with disabilities to ensure an inclusive response.
A total of 1,900 people (40% female) will receive counselling, PFA, and referrals to relevant inter-agency support and local/national authorities.
The goal is for at least 80% of women, children, and people with disabilities (PWDs) to express satisfaction with the accessibility of protection services.
Support Assistive Devices to the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
A total of 1,600 earthquake-affected families will receive cash assistance for food baskets, allowing them to purchase nutritious food from local markets.
Distribution includes 500 families in Mandalay, 600 in Sagaing, 200 in Nay Pyi Taw, and 300 in Southern Shan.
Each family will receive 220,000 MMK, ($165 AUD) which is 60% of the multipurpose cash assistance (MPCA) of 360,000 MMK per family, based on Cash Working Group guidelines. This approach ensures flexible, dignified support, as local markets have food available but other NFIs and hygiene kits are insufficient in the local market.
Provision of sporting material to youths
The project will mobilize 25 social groups to distribute sporting materials for indoor and outdoor activities, supporting 625 earthquake-affected youths (boys and girls) across four target areas.
These activities aim to help youths cope with psychosocial distress caused by the earthquake and aftershocks, providing opportunities for socializing, recreational play, and mental health support.
Support furniture to affected schools
The project plans to support 15 schools in the earthquake-affected regions by providing necessary furniture, benefiting 2,250 students (51% girls).
This initiative aims to help schools resume teaching and learning while addressing psychosocial distress by offering community-based mental health and psychosocial support. The goal is to help children gradually return to normal routines, including learning, playing, and interacting with peers.
Timeline (detailed) for your ALWS action
Thank you!
ALWS has committed $50,000 to support this emergency Myanmar earthquake response.
This is 10% of the total project that brings together caring people like you, through church aid agencies from around the world.
As you know, Myanmar is an extremely challenging place to work, so I hope this detailed outline of your ALWS action through our on-ground partners reassures you about the impact you can make.
The children we help through this earthquake response in Myanmar are part of our ALWS 75,000 children in thanks for 75 years of ALWS service campaign.
You can see the progress of this campaign below:
Thank you for not forgetting the families of Myanmar, and for being a blessing at this time of crisis – and ALWayS!
DONATE NOW
UPDATE 3: Tuesday 8 April
have important updates for you today about your ALWS action in response to the Myanmar earthquake:
- Report from Rapid Assessment Team you support: April 2 – 5
- Practical action you can support – aim: $50,000
- Emergency Action Alliance
- Timetable for Action
NB: I have redacted the name of our on-ground ALWS partner due to security concerns regarding the ruling military junta.
The good news is there is practical life-restoring action you can deliver now:
- Food Baskets
- Family Hygiene Kits
- Emergency Kits
- Dignity Kits
- Livelihood Cash Grants
- Psychosocial support
- Plans for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)
Later on in this report, I will explain details of what is in these Kits, and the cost.
REPORT FROM YOUR RAPID ASSESSMENT TEAM
The team of four staff from our partner deployed to Mandalay Town and Sagaing Region from 2 – 5 April. You’ll see what they saw in the photos that follow:
Sagaing Region: Approximately 1,700 families have been affected, with many still trapped under collapsed buildings awaiting rescue or recovery. Limited frontline responders are available due to difficult road access between Mandalay and Sagaing Regions and recent-imposed restrictions on NGOs/CSOs. The number of affected individuals may rise as rescue and relief efforts continue in the region.
Mandalay Town: One of the hardest-hit areas has suffered extensive destruction, affecting most of the town’s population. Around 50 mosques, numerous churches, and pagodas have collapsed. Many buildings are either destroyed or severely damaged, forcing people to take shelter on roadsides. The worst-affected areas include northwest Mandalay and Sein Pan (Than Lat Maw ward), where fires worsened the devastation, and Hnin Si Gyan ward, where many buildings collapsed. Search and rescue efforts continue, with many bodies still unburied. Cases of diarrhea and dysentery are emerging in camps due to inadequate water and sanitation.
Kyaukse Town: The town closer to Mandalay, approximately 500 houses collapsed with 200 death cases are reported. The number of affected individuals may rise as rescue and relief efforts continue in the town.
Wun Dwin: In a town near Meikhtilar, approximately 315 houses collapsed, resulting in 52 deaths and 40 injuries. The injured are in hospitals but cannot receive adequate treatment due to a shortage of medicine. Displaced people (IDPs) cannot return to their damaged homes, and urgent funds are needed for repairs.
Pyawbwe: In a town near Meikhtilar, approximately 160 houses collapsed, resulting in 210 deaths, including 40 from the collapse of a single mosque. Some buildings urgently need renovation, and the number of affected people may increase as rescue and relief efforts continue.
Yemathin: In a major town on the old Yangon-Mandalay highway, approximately 75 houses collapsed, resulting in 89 deaths, and three mosques were destroyed. Nay Pu Kone village is facing an underground water shortage, leaving 200 households, 150 houses, and 800 people without access to water.
Tatkone: This is another town on the old Yangon-Mandalay highway, approximately 41 houses collapsed with 20 death cases reported.
Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory: The earthquake has caused significant destruction of the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, with many government buildings, the UN compound, International Airport, homes, factories, and religious sites having sustained severe damage, with moderate damage on commercial buildings such as shopping malls and gas stations.
YOUR EMERGENCY ACTION THROUGH ALWS
Costs include delivery, security, monitoring and accountability measures.
FOOD BASKET
- rice, cooking oil, beans, sugar, salt
- support a family for 15 days
- aim: 1,380 families
- cost: $184
FAMILY HYGIENE KIT
- towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, detergent
- vital for cleanliness, health and dignity
- two month supply for a family
- aim: 1,575 families
- cost: $97
EMERGENCY SHELTER KIT
- tarpaulins and shelter supplies
- mosquito nets, sleeping mats, kitchen utensils
- aim: 1,000 families
- cost: $121
DIGNITY KITS
- menstrual pads, bath soap, underwear
- toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs
- aim: 1,350 women and girls
- cost: $80
LIVELIHOODS
- cash grants to rebuild livelihoods
- agricultural, livestock, small business
- aim: 400 most vulnerable families
- cost: $561
YOUR EMERGENCY ACTION THROUGH ALWS
ALWS is part of the Emergency Action Alliance (EAA) of Australian aid agencies responding to the earthquake crisis in Myanmar.
Working together like this has four key benefits:
- EAA has received a $500,000 grant from the Australian Government
- ABC and SBS will promote the EAA Earthquake Appeal
- EAA demonstrates a united front to the Australian public, and wins new support
- ALWS receives a portion of total EAA funds raised
TIMELINE FOR YOUR ALWS ACTION
THANK YOU!
It is now 10 days since the earthquake happened.
ALWS wanted to wait until we had the Report of the Rapid Assessment Team, and certainty that secure delivery mechanisms were in place, before I shared this level of detail with you.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Our ALWS aim is to commit $50,000 to this extra emergency action. DONATE NOW
I highlight ‘extra’ because we remain committed to supporting 75,000 children to give thanks for 75 years of service …
… and we continue to push ahead with Walk My Way Adelaide on 3 May, despite an election being called for that day.
We are also committed to Walk My Way Brisbane being focused on Ukraine, despite the state of the war there.
Thank you for all you do for people through ALWS. At times of such great challenge, your commitment shows what a kind and generous person you are – a blessing ALWayS!
PS: You can see more photos from the Rapid Assessment team here.
UPDATE 2: Friday 4 April
The crisis from the Myanmar earthquake continues to grow.
Nearly 2,900 people are known to have lost their lives, and another 4,500 people are injured.
As we explained earlier in the week, it is very challenging planning our ALWS response.
So, let me simply share with you a message from the front-line team you support.
NB: I’ve redacted identifying names given the local security situation.
UPDATE FROM MYANMAR FRONT-LINE
Thursday 3 April
We would like to provide you with an update on the Earthquake in Myanmar.
As you know, this disaster has intensified existing challenges, deepening an already complex crisis. Myanmar people already struggle with conflict, displacement, and a collapsed economy.
Now, there is a growing shortage of food,
clean water, and medicines,
and there is a critical need for shelter.
A focus continues to be supporting the public with daily survival needs.
Health care facilities are overwhelmed due to extensive damage, with health-care workers themselves affected by the disaster.
Our teams have been deployed to Mandalay and Naypyitaw to conduct rapid assessments, and we expect their return by Friday. Teams in Naypyitaw have arrived and reported extensive devastation. Internet is unavailable in most areas.
Transportation routes, especially to Mandalay, have been severely affected, requiring detours that will extend the journey to and from Yangon.
Fortunately, existing storage and logistics capacity
in Yangon remain unaffected and operational.
This is enabling the transport of humanitarian supplies, and the authorities do appear to be facilitating customs clearances for humanitarian goods.
While authorities have indicated that rescue teams are no longer required, reports from the ground suggest that domestic rescue teams are overwhelmed.
The scale of devastation makes it challenging to reach all those in need.
Staff in the government zone in Naypyitaw, as well as people in areas of Sagaing and Mandalay, have been left homeless and are sleeping in open areas, on the streets, sports fields, and even along the Mandalay Moat.
With the excessive heat of March and April,
children and the elderly are vulnerable to heat stroke.
Yesterday in Yangon, a piece of concrete siding tumbled from an upper balcony of our building, a stark reminder the earthquake’s impact will linger for months to come.
(Myanmar staff prefer to work in the office, where a generator provides a lifeline amidst widespread internet and electricity outages.)
Luckily there were no injuries, and the security of the building has been checked.
The people of Myanmar need our help more than ever.
That’s why, despite the challenges, our commitment to coordinating a response for the earthquake-affected people in upper Myanmar remains unwavering.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support.
I will continue to keep you updated on our ALWS action.
Please don’t be surprised if plans and priorities have to change along the way, given the level of need, and logistical challenges.
You are welcome to donate to support emergency action, including support for Rohingya people from Myanmar who now live in refugee camps in Bangladesh.
PS: You may see ads on ABC and SBS for Myanmar EAA (Emergency Action Alliance) Appeal. ALWS is part of EAA, working with other Australian aid agencies, but please feel free to donate directly to ALWS. Thank you!
PPS: Thank you too for your continued support for our 75,000 children campaign to give thanks for 75 years of ALWS service. You are a blessing ALWayS!
UPDATE 1: Monday 31 March
A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday 28 March.
The death toll stands at 1,700 people, and 3,400 people injured. The US Geological Survey fears up to 10,000 people may have lost their lives.
There will be ongoing pain as 45,000 buildings have been damaged.
ALWS has worked in Myanmar since 2017:
- supported children in Displaced Camps in Rakhine State to go to school
- assisted farmers to become self-sufficient and independent
- cared for Rohingya people forced to flee Myanmar to Bangladesh
This work is generously supported by the Australian Government.
EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE
ALWS is looking to work through ACT Alliance to deliver emergency aid.
ACT Alliance is a coalition of 140 faith-based agencies from around the world who work together to respond to disasters. Two members of ACT Alliance are currently planning action in Myanmar:
Finn Church Aid (FCA)
FCA grew out of the Lutheran Church in Finland.
FCA is already implementing an urgent response in Bago (Tanguoo) by providing multi-purpose cash assistance to affected communities. As part of a possible ACT Appeal, FCA would consider operations in Mandalay/Sagaing based on most urgent needs.
Christian Aid (CA)
CA and partners are conducting rapid needs assessments in the affected areas and
develop emergency response plans, focusing on the most impacted areas in the Northwest of Myanmar-Mandalay, Sagaing, Nay Pyi Taw and Magway.
CA will be able to provide protection, Multipurpose cash assistance (MPCA), cash for food and humanitarian coordination with local actors.
Meanwhile, here in Australia, ALWS is part of the Emergency Action Alliance (EAA).
EAA is a coalition of leading aid agencies who launch a centralised appeal to respond to the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies. EAA has partnerships with the ABC and SBS, ensuring more Australians can see how they can respond.
ALWS will join the EAA response to earthquake disaster in Myanmar.
MYANMAR'S 'FORGOTTEN' CRISIS
In 2017, more than one million Rohingya people fled crisis in Myanmar to Bangladesh. Here they live in the world’s largest refugee camp at Cox’s Bazar.
As the world responds to the Myanmar earthquake, ALWS fears the plight of the Rohingya people may be forgotten by the world.
That is why ALWS is expanding your lifesaving aid to these families.
ALWS has proven reliable channels to make sure your help to these people can be delivered safely, and your impact can be fully monitored.
To respond to the Myanmar earthquake, and the Rohingya people now living in Bangladesh after fleeing Myanmar, please DONATE NOW!
YOUR EMERGENCY ACTION GIFT IS USED WISELY
You help with practical care
Your donation will help ALWS support emergency action where you are needed most in response to humanitarian disasters. Should ALWS receive donations beyond the amount needed for these projects, those funds will be used to support other life-transforming ALWS projects.
You give ‘no strings attached’ aid
Information in this communication is based on data correct at time of writing, and may change. Funds and other resources designated for the purpose of aid and development will be used only for those purposes and will not be used to promote a particular religious adherence or to support a political party, or to promote a candidate or organisation affiliated to a particular party, or to support welfare activities as defined by DFAT.
For more information, call: 1300 763 407
Your kindness goes to work carefully
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