What happened?
Myanmar was struck by a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake, causing widespread destruction and a massive humanitarian crisis.
The earthquake was followed by a significant aftershock of 6.4M approximately 12 minutes later. Tremors were felt as far as Thailand and China when the epicenter of the earthquake hit central Myanmar. Another significant earthquake of 5.5M struck central Myanmar just two weeks after the 7.7 quake.
One million people were forced from their homes and nearly 4,000 people lost their lives.
How ShelterBox responded:
ShelterBox supported highly vulnerable households in Mandalay and Southern Shan State after the earthquake, focusing on people receiving little or no other aid. We provided tailored shelter repairs suited to local conditions — timber structures in dry areas and bamboo with corrugated iron roofs in wetter regions — delivered through skilled local carpenters and masons.
Essential items such as water filters, hygiene kits, solar lights, and kitchen sets helped families meet immediate needs. All materials were sourced locally to overcome logistical challenges and support community markets
One of the people ShelterBox supported was Tun May, whose home was severely damaged. With a broken leg, she had been living in a cramped bamboo shelter with relatives. Repairs allowed her to return home just before rising floods made further work impossible.
“I am happy our house has been repaired and that we are all back home… If we hadn’t renovated our house, we wouldn’t have been able to cope with the rising water.”
With her home strengthened, Tun May has also been able to restart her livelihood—replanting tomato fields and employing local workers—despite rising costs and ongoing floods. Her repaired home has become a safe refuge not only for her family but also for neighbours displaced by floodwaters.
“Our repaired house is comfortable and safe. I always pray for the health and happiness of those who supported us.”
ShelterBox’s locally sourced materials and working with local, skilled carpenters made it possible for families like Tun May’s to return home, regain safety, and rebuild their futures.
