Everywhere I look, there is devastation. Buildings are in ruins. Roads are blocked.
Families sit amongst the debris of what used to be their homes. Some sit silently in shock. Others weep for the loss of loved ones. Rescue teams work tirelessly to help people.
The air is very heavy. It’s hard to breathe. The sounds around me are a mix of sorrow and urgency. In some places, there is silence.
Entire neighbourhoods have been emptied. The void of loss hangs in the air. Emotionally, it is overwhelming. The pain and fear are palpable, but so is the determination.
Acts of solidarity
Despite the devastation, we are seeing incredible acts of solidarity among the people. Neighbours are helping each other. Local churches and community groups are organising temporary shelters and distributing essential supplies. Volunteers are stepping in to provide first aid, comfort the grieving and care for children who have been separated from their families.
Even those who have lost everything are offering whatever support they can – things like food or a place to rest. The resilience and kindness of the community in this crisis is truly inspiring, but the need for external support remains urgent.
We are exhausted. People are exhausted, hungry and grieving, yet they push forward, helping one another, searching for survival. Trying to render kind words to each other and clinging to hope.
The resilience of the human spirit is as visible as the destruction around me.
Rubble, challenges and despair
A big majority of the city, especially in Sagaing and Mandalay, has been reduced to rubble, and many families are without shelter, food and clean water. People are still searching for loved ones among the collapsed buildings.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to reach those still trapped. Hospitals and clinics are overwhelmed with the injured, and there is an urgent need for medical supplies, food and safe drinking water.
Many roads are blocked and communication lines are down, making it more difficult to deliver aid to the areas. But, despite the despair, local communities and churches are coming together to support one another. The need is immense and immediate assistance is critical.
The most urgent needs
The most urgent needs we are seeing right now are shelter, food, clean water and medical assistance. Many families have lost their homes and are sleeping in temporary shelters out in the open space at night.
There is a desperate need for safe drinking water as damaged infrastructure is increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Food supplies are scarce and people are struggling to access basic necessities.
The emotional toll of the earthquakes
And the emotional pain from this disaster is very big. Many people are in deep shock, unable to process the loss of their homes, loved ones and sense of security. Some are reacting with panic and desperation. Others feel utterly helpless, convinced that no one will come to their aid.
This is leading to a sense of despair, making it harder for communities to organise themselves for recovery. Others are struggling with survivor's guilt, questioning why their lives were saved while others perished.
The psychological strain is overwhelming and without proper emotional support, these patterns could deepen, making long-term recovery even more difficult. At the same time, I see people offering trauma counselling assistance to the communities.
One of my friends, who is a counselor, has been out talking with the people, listening to their pain. There is an urgent need for trauma care, counselling and a message of hope to help people regain their sense of dignity and resilience.
What Tearfund partners are doing
I am very proud seeing the amazing work of Tearfund’s partners. They are actively responding to the crisis, working to meet the most urgent needs of those who are affected by this disaster.
If you’d like to help Tearfund’s local partners respond to people’s needs after this disaster, please do so here.
