Tearfund has spoken to one of its local partners in Myanmar who is leading part of the emergency response to Friday's earthquake, which killed at least 2,800 people (audio recording & transcript, in English, available on request). Due to security concerns, his words are anonymous.
"As I stand here, I see both pain and hope around me. The earthquake has left behind broken homes, destroyed streets, and people struggling to find food, water, and shelter. Many families have lost everything and the most urgent needs right now are safe places to stay, clean drinking water, food, and medical care.
"Even in this difficult time, people are helping each other. Neighbours are sharing food. Strangers are offering shelter and volunteers are working hard to clear rubble and provide aid. There is sadness, but also kindness and unity. The emotional pain is deep. Many people have lost loved ones, and they are scared about what the future holds. But they are supporting each other, talking, praying, and holding on to hope. Some find comfort in their faith, while others lean on friends and family to stay strong.
"Tearfund and its partners are working to meet people's needs. We are providing food, water, shelter, and emotional support to those who need it most. We are working, giving people hope that they are not alone. As I look around, I see collapsed buildings and people digging through the rubble, trying to find anything they can save. I hear the sounds of hammers, people talking, and sometimes quiet cries of grief, but I also hear laughter from children, reminding us that life goes on.
"People say it will take years to rebuild, and the loss, it's great but they are determined, with support from organisations like Tearfund and with the strength of their communities, they believe they can recover. Even in the hardest times, kindness and hope remain. Together, we can help rebuild lives and bring hope to those who need it most."
Tearfund partners carrying out search and rescue efforts have described the situation in Myanmar as 'chaotic and severe', with hospitals overwhelmed and injured patients being treated outside in car parks and on the street. More than 2,800 people have been killed by the 7.7 earthquake that shook the country last week. Thousands of people are injured, displaced or missing. Estimates suggest that the death toll could rise to as many as 10,000 people. Extensive damage to infrastructure and water supply systems also pose a serious long term risk that water-borne diseases will take hold.
Tearfund has launched an emergency appeal: for more information, or to donate, please visit: www.tearfund.org/myanmar-earthquake-appeal
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Notes to editors
Tearfund has supported local partners in Myanmar since 1997, coming alongside local communities as they address poverty and environmental issues and develop strategies to reduce the vulnerability of people living in rural areas. Around 20 million people were already in need of humanitarian assistance before the earthquake - about a third of the country.
Tearfund is a Christian charity that partners with churches in more than 50 of the world's poorest countries. We tackle poverty through sustainable development, responding to disasters and challenging injustice. We believe an end to extreme poverty is possible. Tearfund is also a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee. For more information about the work of Tearfund, please visit www.tearfund.org.
