Following the recent major earthquake in Myanmar, Mandalay's Amarapura Township became the epicenter of destruction, with thousands of lives lost and over a hundred thousand homes damaged. In response, Tzu Chi volunteers took action with urgency and dedication, launching the first phase of large-scale aid distribution on April 13, focusing on bringing relief to survivors in desperate need. 

The first relief station was established in Amarapura Township, where hundreds of families received staple food items such as rice and cooking oil. Tzu Chi volunteers also plan to visit the equally hard-hit Deda Township tomorrow, where 300 out of 2,000 households have collapsed entirely, leaving nearly a thousand people dead or injured. Volunteers carefully surveyed affected families prior to distribution, delivering not just material aid, but emotional comfort to grieving residents. 

Stories of Loss, Courage, and Humanity 

The depth of suffering in these communities is immeasurable. One survivor, struggling to cope with the loss of loved ones, shared her story, “These are the clothes my husband wore while he was alive. I won’t wash them—I want to keep them.” Another survivor, Du La La, expressed her profound grief, stating, “I am heartbroken. My family perished.” Yet she was encouraged to turn her anguish into positive action for her departed loved ones. 

In Tada-U Township, the narratives are equally heartrending. Baba, a resident, lost her sister as she selflessly tried to rescue an elderly neighbor across the street. Volunteers like Win Win May stood alongside survivors, listening to their stories, offering solace, and helping them find strength for the days ahead. 

Heroes of Resilience 

Many local heroes have emerged from the rubble. One resident, U Dan Guo, worked tirelessly to rescue trapped neighbors in his partially destroyed home. “I managed to save four people from the second floor by breaking the lock,” he recounted, visibly exhausted but determined. Volunteers not only provided emergency funds but embraced survivors as they shared their stories and trauma, working to soothe hearts and rebuild hope. 

A Message of Solidarity 

The aid distribution, which took place between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., was not just about providing material support but showing the survivors that they were not alone in their sorrow. The presence of Tzu Chi volunteers demonstrated the values of humanity and constant support during Myanmar’s darkest moments. 

By Wei-Yang Guo, Kang-Kang Guo, Heng-Zhong Su