It has been over seven weeks since strong earthquakes rattled central Myanmar on 28 March 2025. Although the earth has ceased shaking, the lives of more than a million people are not yet settled. For most, the catastrophe did not conclude with the tremors—it started there. Families continue to be homeless, food is in short supply, clean water remains scarce, and emotional scars are far from healing.

The nation is experiencing a human emergency, and the globe cannot turn away.

1. Homeless and Hopeless: The Ongoing Shelter Crisis

Imagine losing your home overnight, and for weeks after, having nowhere safe to return to. This is now a daily reality for thousands of families in Myanmar. Many are still sleeping in crowded temporary shelters or small rented rooms, clinging to safety while fearing the collapse of their earthquake-damaged houses.

Based on recent accounts, 74% of the most severely affected townships haven't received any official shelter assistance. Almost 100 ad hoc camps have emerged throughout the area, unplanned and unsecured. These ad hoc camps tend to be devoid of even basic protection, camp management, and clean toilets or safe cooking zones.

More than 138,000 individuals have been provided with non-food items (NFIs), such as blankets, mosquito nets, and hygiene kits. But these measures, though vital, only scratch the surface. Without shelter, families - women and children most of all are under greater risk of gender-based violence, illness, and harsh weather conditions.

What's needed most urgently now: More emergency shelter, sustainable housing initiatives, and sound camp management to avoid a secondary disaster.

2. Hunger and Thirst: A Daily Struggle for Survival

After the earthquake, food at many dining tables just disappeared. Lands were plowed, roads were ruined, and food chains snapped. Today, over 509,400 individuals—more than half of the needy—still need immediate food aid.

In rural towns such as Sagaing, it is worsening. Transport disruptions have severed rice supplies, resulting in bare shelves in markets. Skipping meals has become a way of life for many families. Children and the elderly suffer the most, with increasing threats of malnutrition and illness. And it's not only food that's scarce. Clean water to drink is an everyday challenge. Water infrastructure in many of the towns is either destroyed or contaminated. Cleaning facilities are in chaos, making people more likely to get waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and cholera.

In spite of the efforts by civilized agencies, who have reached more than 294,000 individuals with some level of water, sanitation, or hygiene aid, 36 townships affected by the earthquake have not received any WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene).

3. The Invisible Crisis: Women and Children in Peril

Behind the seen damage is an unseen crisis, one that hurts the most vulnerable among us. The quake has increased protection hazards for women, children, people with disabilities, and the aged. Children, already traumatized from the quake, are now at risk of child labor, exploitation, family separation, and poor living conditions. Access to schools, basic health services, and even play has been lost by many.

Mental health is also an increasing issue. In the latest survey, 67% of individuals are struggling with emotional distress, but 84% of them have no access to any form of mental health services. Grief, anxiety, and fear prevail, but there is little support to be found.

What's being done:

• More than 43,000 individuals have accessed child protection services
• 25,300 individuals have accessed psychological support
• Safe spaces and awareness campaigns are being expanded

But unless there is further funding and humanitarian access, these services are not able to reach all those in need.

4. The Funding Gap: A Crisis Within a Crisis

One of the largest hurdles in Myanmar's recovery is not a lack of sympathy, it's a lack of money. The United Nations issued a Flash Appeal calling for $275 million to help 1.1 million individuals, but on May 16, it had received only $44.2 million, which is just 16% of that amount.

Without sufficient funding, even the most important needs, such as food, shelter, safe water, and medical care, are not being met. Government organizations are attempting to do more with less, but the gap is too great. Each day without funding results in more suffering and more lives at risk.

Conclusion

The earthquake in Myanmar might have passed weeks ago, but for the thousands of families, the reality remains stark. Many are in improper shelters, with minimal food, no clean water, and no access to basic healthcare or counseling. Children are absent from school, and women and vulnerable groups become increasingly exposed to dangers each day. These individuals are not demanding much—only the opportunity to be safe once more, to provide for their families, and rebuild their lives with dignity. The world cannot turn a blind eye to their suffering. With assistance, care, and prompt action, we can assist them in healing and rebuilding. Now is the moment to act.