On 28 March, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar, causing immediate devastation that stretched as far as Bangkok in Thailand. Over 3,600 people have died, with estimates suggesting the death toll could reach over 10,000. Hospitals, fire departments and vital shelter have been destroyed. Thousands of people are injured, and survivors are facing both a humanitarian crisis and continued airstrikes by the military.
Local peacebuilders tell us “The earthquake has left many survivors without shelter, food, and clean water, with displaced families living on the streets or in makeshift shelters. In addition to the physical damage, affected communities are experiencing electricity outages, telecommunications disruptions, and internet shutdowns.”
Local peacebuilders in Myanmar have been among the first responders, providing lifesaving care to people affected by the earthquake. Peace Direct supports a network of local community groups that are currently providing humanitarian support – including food, water, hygiene kits, mosquito nets and blankets. They are also assisting with the removal of bodies and dignified burials, as well as offering counselling to survivors.
With your support, we're able to provide emergency grants to local peacebuilders in the face of crises. Help us do more to support them today.
Peace Direct is providing 80,000 euros to support the network’s locally led humanitarian efforts.
As one local peacebuilder highlights, these “community organisations play a crucial role in providing support and resources to those affected by disasters. They coordinate efforts to distribute essential supplies such as food, water, and medical aid to the victims. Additionally, our people work tirelessly to ensure accurate information reaches affected communities.”
As well as providing immediate relief, local responders will use the funds to support communities in planning their own recovery initiatives, focusing on long-term resilience and self-sufficiency.
With multiple aftershocks and intense rain following the earthquake, needs are growing.
Our emergency grants are possible thanks to the generosity of the public, whose donations enable us to rapidly respond. Please donate to help us to continue providing emergency funding to local peacebuilders.
The disaster comes in the midst of four years of civil war, which is significantly complicating the rescue and humanitarian efforts. The WHO reports that rescue operations face “significant obstacles including damaged roads, collapsed bridges, unstable communications and complexities related to the civil conflict.”
In February 2021, the armed forces of Myanmar (Tatmadaw) deposed the elected government, and violently repressed subsequent protests. Since then, 50,000 people have died, and millions have been displaced, in a devastating conflict between the military junta ( and armed civilian resistance. Twenty million people were already in need of humanitarian assistance before the earthquake hit.
Now, in areas controlled by the military, it is extremely challenging to reach communities affected by the quake. One local peacebuilder tells us, “There are clashes between the military and the People’s Defense Forces in those areas. Some […] areas are therefore not reached by the international rescue teams or international organisations. These areas are often hit by airstrikes from the military and they are the most severely affected by earthquakes.”
The junta also controls how international assistance is distributed, which is making it increasingly difficult for international organisations to reach those in need. The UN have confirmed “consistent reports of aid being blocked.”
That’s why it’s vital to support local peacebuilders directly.
Unlike international organisations, they can navigate these barriers and ensure lifesaving assistance reaches those who need it most. Local peacebuilders can use their existing relationships with local people, and their detailed knowledge of the conflict, to access isolated communities that international organisations can’t reach, and avoid military control of the assistance they provide.
But they – and the rest of Myanmar’s civil society – need more support. Even before the earthquake, there wasn’t enough funding for humanitarian efforts in Myanmar. Recent funding cuts have taken their toll, as one million people lost access to food just two weeks before the earthquake hit. Now, as needs grow, we must increase solidarity with local communities in Myanmar.
We must support local peacebuilders.
