On March 28th, at 12:50 Myanmar time, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, the deadliest seismic event in nearly a century. The earthquake resulted in widespread devastation, with estimates of 3,600 to 5,350 fatalities and over 11,000 injuries as well as over 55,000 homes destroyed in Myanmar. Many organizations rushed to aid those affected, but damaged infrastructure, ongoing political conflict, and limited access hindered international support. Much of the immediate support came down to community-level volunteers.
Below images are from Inle Lake, where 20 homes were rebuilt alongside community members.
Emergency response is not typically part of Shanta Village Partners’ long-term development model. Yet in the face of overwhelming need, our community responded with urgency and compassion. Together, supporters helped raise more than $52,000. Khai, Shanta’s Global Program Manager, worked closely with field staff in Myanmar to design a response plan rooted in our core values, ensuring community contribution through both labor and local investment, even amid crises. Three project areas were identified:
Under the leadership of Village Development Teams (VDTs), many villages have now adopted a Community-Based Disaster Risk-Reduction Management Project. This locally driven approach equips communities to prepare for future crises, whether conflict, flooding, wildfires, severe storms, or earthquakes, through planning, coordination, and shared responsibility.
The events of March 28, 2025, will not be forgotten. But what stands out just as clearly is the courage and resilience shown in its aftermath. In moments of profound loss, communities mobilized to overcome. We are deeply honored to stand alongside the people of Myanmar, not only in times of growth but also in times of hardship, supporting their determination to rebuild and move forward together.
