Myanmar’s struggle with the impact of civil war has left its people with depleted resources and livelihoods. On March 28, the catastrophic blow of a once-in-a-century earthquake compounded their hardships, displacing countless families and leaving entire communities in despair. With the rainy season approaching in May, the prospect of prolonged downpours threatens to exacerbate the already dire situation. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave concerns about the country's deepening crisis.
In the face of such adversity, acts of compassion have transcended borders. Tzu Chi Malaysia, in collaboration with the Myanmar Red Cross Society, is preparing to airlift crucial supplies such as 520 Jing Si multipurpose foldable beds and 690 eco-friendly blankets from Kuala Lumpur to Myanmar on April 7. Meanwhile, Tzu Chi's disaster assessment team is working diligently in Mandalay to provide support and coordinate with local organizations.
The Yunnan Association, a Chinese charitable organization with more than 70 years of history in Mandalay, has stepped forward by converting its medical station into a sanctuary for the injured and displaced. Volunteers also visited makeshift shelters set up in repurposed market areas, witnessing firsthand the harsh realities faced by survivors. These shelters are located in what was once a bustling wholesale market area, later ravaged by a fire and left abandoned. Now repurposed as temporary camps, the ground is uneven, and families are forced to make do with basic tents and makeshift living arrangements.
In one encounter, volunteers met a father who had brought his family from the epicenter, Sagaing, to Mandalay to seek refuge with relatives, only to find that their relatives' home was also damaged. The father humbly asked if they could provide clothing for his children. Deeply moved, volunteers quickly purchased and delivered the needed clothing.
Stories of personal loss echo throughout the devastated communities. U Daowei (烏道偉), a survivor, recalled the paralyzing fear he felt during the earthquake—emotions that still linger as the days pass. Another survivor, Duomi Milai (多咪咪萊), sits amidst the rubble where her home once stood, mourning the loss of two beloved family members. Volunteers offer comfort and assistance, but they remain acutely aware of the countless others whose pain and loss continue to mount.
In addition to aiding survivors, volunteers visited a monastery, a historic spiritual refuge that now lies in ruins. The monks who once resided within its walls are now forced to seek shelter outdoors, joining the many affected by this catastrophe.
With the scale of destruction so widespread, Tzu Chi volunteers acknowledge the limits of their manpower in thoroughly assessing all affected areas. To address this, they are collaborating closely with local organizations like the Yunnan Association to pool resources and plan the next steps in relief efforts. Despite Myanmar’s immense challenges, these acts of kindness and unity offer a glimmer of hope in an otherwise somber landscape.
