Myanmar Earthquake
A powerful earthquake has devastated regions across Myanmar. Buildings have collapsed, leaving people homeless and isolated.
A home passed down through generations
In Kyun Sin Gyi Village, 81-year-old Daw Wyne Kyi lives with her sister-in-law, Daw Than Myint, and her niece, Daw Aye Sandar Soe, a nursery teacher. Their family home was built more than 50 years ago by Daw Wyne Kyi’s parents. It is a place that has supported three generations.
Life in their village revolves around farming. Daw Wyne Kyi owns an acre of paddy land, which usually produces enough rice for the family. Before the earthquake, life followed a typical rhythm of planting, harvesting, and sharing.
The earthquake that changed everything
Earlier this year, severe tremors and aftershocks struck their home region. For the three women living in the home, the experience was both frightening and unexpected.
“When the earthquake hit, I was terrified. I fell to the floor and even hit my head on a pillar. I have never experienced anything like this before.”
The shaking tore apart walls that had stood for decades, and the sound of their home straining under pressure stayed with her:
The sound affected me deeply, like a haunting wail.
Inside Daw Wyne Kyi's home.
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Inside, dishes, cups, and pots shattered. A heavy cupboard on the top floor fell. Although the lower poles of the house held firm, the earthquake’s impact was clear, leaving unsettling damage throughout their home.
After the earthquake and tremors, life remained difficult. Flooding had caused the soil beneath the house to sink, leaving the building slightly tilted. Windows could no longer close properly, and high waters from the previous year had damaged the floors and roof.
These events also meant the harvest suffered. Flooding and tremors affected the paddy roots, leaving the family with far less than the usual 50 baskets they relied on from their land.
Daw Wyne Kyi and her family member.
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Support reaches the remote village
Kyun Sin Gyi Village is remote. During past disasters, support has not always reached the community quickly. Many homes are made of bamboo and often lean or tilt after disasters, rather than collapse outright. Families manage repairs with whatever materials they can find.
This time, support arrived.
ShelterBox provided the timber, nails, and carpenter fees needed to help make their home feel safe for the three women once again.
“Before receiving assistance, we covered the holes in the walls with temporary boards. Given our limited finances, we wouldn’t be able to rebuild our house… Now, thanks to your help, our house is safe and sound.”
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Daw Wyne Kyi's restored home.
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Safety and stability for the months ahead
With their home secure, the women can focus on their daily lives, their health, and the next farming season. For Daw Wyne Kyi, who manages hypertension, and for her sister-in-law, who lives with diabetes and arthritis, this stability is vital.
I extend my heartfelt thanks.
To everyone who made this support possible, Daw Wyne Kyi shares a message:
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the donors, and I always keep them in my prayers to Buddha.”
Daw Wyne Kyi and her niece.
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You can be part of stories of recovery
This year, give a gift that goes beyond the ordinary.
ShelterBox’s global gifts offer a meaningful way to support families displaced by disaster. Whether it’s a blanket to keep warm, a solar light to brighten dark nights, or a full shelter kit, your gift helps families rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Each gift comes with a certificate you can share with loved ones, making it a thoughtful present that truly makes a difference.
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