Myanmar Earthquake
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, devastating communities—especially in Sagaing, home to 1.3 million displaced people. Thousands of lives have been lost, and thousands more are missing or injured.
Amid Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict, millions are already struggling without food, shelter, or medical care. Now, older people—so often the last to receive aid—are facing even greater challenges. Many have chronic illnesses, disabilities, and limited access to support, making them especially at-risk in disasters like this.
HelpAge and our global network partners are on the ground, working to ensure that older people receive lifesaving relief, medical care, food, cash assistance, and mental health support. But we can’t do it alone.
When the deadly earthquake struck Myanmar, 61-year-old U San Win was mourning the death of his grandchild. Then the ground began to shake. Now living in a cramped space with three families, U San Win is trying to hold on for his family and their future. “If we have a place to live, we can work for our daily food,” he says. “I just wish everything can be settled soon.”
Our Response
HelpAge and our partner AGE Myanmar are on the ground delivering:
- Food, water, hygiene kits, and safe shelter
- Medical care and mobile health services
- Assistive devices (walkers, canes, wheelchairs, glasses)
- Mental health support, including trauma-informed and peer-to-peer programs
We are also ensuring that older people’s voices are heard, so recovery planning reflects their contributions, rights, and dignity.
