The Life of a Child Surviving the Myanmar Earthquake

“I was playing when the earthquake hit” says six-year-old Alinka,

a World Vision registered child from Tada-U, Mandalay, one of the hardest-hit areas.

When the quake struck, the wall behind Alinka shook violently, ripping like a wave. She clung tightly to the door, unfortunately it collapsed on her. Alinka’s family has eight members. Her grandmother was with them when the tremor rocked their home.

“The brick walls fell and Alinka hurt her leg. Our house was slightly damaged too,” says Aye, Alinka’s grandmother.

Alinka broke her leg and was taken to the hospital where a steel rod was put in.

About fifty homes in their village were destroyed by severe shaking, some completely collapsed, others tilted and many had crumbling brick walls. Religious sites like the monastery and pagoda, and retaining walls along the river also fell. The school’s ceiling collapsed and the children’s water dispenser was badly damaged, now unusable. The village’s vital bridge sustained minor damage.

“Now, most of us sleep outside in our compound, and those who used to live upstairs stay downstairs in case of another quake. We are still scared of what might happen to us again. I am also worried that children may get diarrhea from unclean water as we are facing a water shortage after the earthquake”, says Aye.

The urgent needs for the affected people are water and basic food due to damages in transportation, including roads and bridges.

The earthquake’s devasting impact leaves Aye and her family struggling to make ends meet. As market vendors, they rely on selling goods, but damaged infrastructures like buildings and bridges make it hard. Rising commodity prices add to their burden.

Aye is not only concerned for her family but also for her community, especially with the monsoon approaching and storm warnings circulating. 

“I’m worried for those who lost their homes, now facing off-season rains and possible storms. I’m deeply concerned about their health and shelter during this difficult time” Aye says.

The 7.7 earthquake, that hit Myanmar on 28 March caused widespread damage to homes, schools, health centres and public infrastructure in Mandalay and Sagaing. The earthquake compounds an already dire humanitarian situation where nearly 20 million people already needed humanitarian assistance across the country due to prolonged conflict, recurring natural disasters and economic collapse. Children and their families who have lost their homes are now dealing with extreme heat and expected rain or thundershowers, further deepening those already critical needs, especially for shelter.

World Vision is providing live-saving relief assistance to the children and their families affected by the earthquake. Through our humanitarian efforts, both immediate relief and long-term recovery, we aim to support 500,000 people, including 85,057 boys and 86,902 girls. As of 8 April 2025, we have reached 22,063 people affected by the earthquake, including 6574 children (3,830 girls, 2,744 boys). 

Note: Alinka’s parents work as daily laborer in Yangon but the mother is back after the quake.
 

Find out more about our Myanmar Earthquake Response. Provide lifesaving aid to children who need it the most right now. Save Lives Now.