SCIAF's emergency response in Myanmar

On 28th March, earthquakes struck and affected the cities of Mandalay and Sagaing with tremors being felt as far as Thailand.  More than 3,600 people were reported killed and many homes and buildings were destroyed.  

SCIAF used a grant of £25,000 from the Scottish Government's Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) to help people directly affected by the earthquakes. 

The disaster affected more than 17 million people - leaving many without food, clean water, shelter, or healthcare. Hospitals were overwhelmed, communication lines were interrupted, and transport routes in chaos. 

Despite the heavy rain and thunderstorms, thousands of people had to sleep in the streets due to damaged homes and the fear of aftershocks - many of which did occur and caused further damage.  

Daw Htet Htet* and her son 2-year-old son’s home was seriously damaged by the earthquake. 

Daw Htet Htet recalled: 

"When the earthquake happened, I was inside my room. I was terrified, and it was very dangerous. The earthquake happened twice. We couldn't bring anything and had to run out with my child, taking nothing.  

"Sleeping on the roadside under a plastic sheet, Daw Htet Htet feared for her and her son's health and safety. With no hygiene facilities and heavy rainfall, people nearby developed dangerous fevers. 

"Since the earthquake, my son doesn't eat anything and only drinks breastmilk because he's afraid of the earthquakes. I need facilities such as toilets and drinking water." 

In Myanmar, through the Caritas network, we gave lifesaving assistance to people like Daw Htet Htet. We provided: 

• Food
• Shelter
• Cash assistance
• Water and sanitation facilities
• Other essential non-food items. 

When disaster strikes due to a natural disaster or conflict, we respond to meet people's immediate, urgent needs, and support their recovery into the future. 

In an emergency situation, SCIAF takes a three-pillared response. 

1. Relief 
   Through the local Church and Caritas Internationalis network, we respond right away. We supply essentials like food, clean water, shelter, medicine and cash to people very quickly and support families when they need it most. 
2. Rebuild & recover
   We don't leave right after emergency strikes - we're often there for the long-term, helping communities to recover and rebuild. Together with local communities, we develop solutions to make a real and lasting difference.
3. Prevent
   We work with communities to prepare them for the worst, helping them to develop climate-resistant methods of growing food and setting up savings and insurance schemes. We stand alongside communities to build peace and promote justice, so they have power over their own lives. We also advocate for governments to influence important change. Through lobbying and campaigning, we create systems and structures that help to build a safer and greener world. 

The SCIAF emergency response team shared this update: 

“The immediate crisis phase in Myanmar has passed, but the Caritas family continues to work alongside affected families, ensuring that support extends beyond lifesaving relief. This ongoing presence is rooted in the belief that true recovery requires more than short-term aid—it requires resilience, restoration of dignity, and the rebuilding of sustainable livelihoods. 

“SCIAF, in partnership with the wider Caritas family, will continue to support the repair or reconstruction of homes, restoring access to clean water and sanitation, and reestablishing community infrastructure such as schools and health centres. Just as importantly, Caritas supports people in regaining their independence by offering livelihood programs, vocational training, and resources that allow families to return to farming, small businesses, or other income-generating activities.”

^{*Name has been changed}