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In March 2025, an earthquake damaged homes across Myanmar which left families living in unsafe conditions, with many of the affected households already struggling to earn enough to meet daily needs.
ShelterBox is working with local partners to support families whose homes were destroyed or left unstable, providing timber, roofing materials and funding for carpenters so people can rebuild safe places to live.
Before construction began, our partner spoke with Kyu Kyu Win to understand how the Myanmar earthquake had affected her family and what a secure home would mean for her and her children.
Kyu Kyu Win was born and raised in Myanmar and is a single mother to four daughters: Thae Su Aung, Hnin Shwe Yee Aung, Eaint Mi Mi Htet and Myat Noe Eain, who is just over one year old.
Kyu Kyu Win washing clothes.
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Living day to day
Before the earthquake, daily life was already a challenge for Kyu Kyu Win. “I wash clothes for a living. I earn a small fee each time, but the work is not regular,” she explains. “If I don’t wash clothes, I have no income. When there is no work, I have to borrow money, but everyone here is also struggling.”
The family lived day to day, without savings or assets.
In our ward, we all live hand to mouth.
Kyu Kyu Win holding her youngest daughter, Myat Noe Eain.
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When the earthquake struck
The family lived in a bamboo house covered with tarpaulin. “It wasn’t safe, but it was all we had,” Kyu Kyu Win says. When the earthquake struck, the bamboo house collapsed. “The children were at home eating lunch. We held each other tightly. I tried to tell them not to be scared, but I was terrified myself.”
She describes the shaking as unlike anything she had experienced before. “The ground moved in all directions. I was afraid we would die.” Cracks opened in the ground near the house. “If there had been flooding this year, it would have been very dangerous for the children.”
Neighbours helping build shelter for Kyu Kyu Win and her family.
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Life after losing their home
The family had nowhere to stay after their house collapsed. Neighbours helped by building a small temporary bamboo hut.
“When it rains, the tarpaulin roof leaks everywhere,” she says. “We can’t stay inside, so we go to other people’s houses. Everything we own gets wet.” The children understandably remain frightened and the instability has affected their schooling.
“I had to take my eldest daughter out of school this year because I couldn’t afford to send all my children.” Her two younger daughters attend a local monastery school, where their tuition is free.
Kyu Kyu Win's emergency shelter after the earthquake in Myanmar.
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A chance to rebuild
In Kyu Kyu Win’s area, many houses were left leaning after the earthquake and few families could afford proper repairs. “Before, we used bamboo supports and lived as best we could,” she explains. “Donors rarely come here.”
When the local partner informed her that her family was included in the housing repair programme, she was overjoyed: “I was almost moved to tears when they told me my name was on the list.”
Materials arrived which included timber and metal sheeting for the roof. “I never imagined we could have a house made of wood and tin,” she says. “I thought it would be bamboo again.”
Kyu Kyu Win and her daughters inside their temporary home in Myanmar.
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A safer place to live
“We stay underneath during the day and sleep upstairs at night,” she explains. With the new structure, her daughters are able to sleep safely inside.
I cannot rebuild a house on my own. I am truly thankful.
The stability has also allowed her to work more consistently: “Now, I can leave my children at home safely while I wash clothes.”
Kyu Kyu Win’s children.
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What’s next for Kyu Kyu Win and her daughters?
After heavy rain caused further disruption and damage, the children were especially relieved to stay dry and safe indoors. “My daughters told me, ‘Mom, our house will be strong now. If it rains, we don’t have to go anywhere.’@
With a safer home, Kyu Kyu Win hopes to continue earning what she can through laundry work and to keep her daughters together and protected.
We are so happy. Thank you for helping us stay safe.
Myanmar earthquake damage.
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What’s happening in Myanmar?
A powerful earthquake has caused widespread destruction, forcing around one million people from their homes. Many families are now living in unsafe conditions or temporary shelters, facing heavy rains, limited access to food and clean water, and ongoing uncertainty.
ShelterBox is supporting communities with shelter repairs and essential items, helping families create safer places to live.
Learn more about the earthquake in Myanmar and how ShelterBox is responding.
Myanmar Earthquake
