A young girl named Khin Yadanar, who lost her mother and aunt to an earthquake, expressed her distress to UNICEF. Before the earthquake, approximately 6.5 million children in Myanmar already needed humanitarian assistance, due to the challenges posed by an ongoing civil war. Now, as the monsoon season approaches, families also face threats of flooding and landslides.
Midwives, like Yu Yu in Mandalay, have become crucial healthcare providers in the aftermath of the earthquake. Despite the many challenges, midwives continue to save lives and provide support, including a notable instance of Yu Yu delivering a baby during labor following the disaster.
The earthquake not only caused physical destruction but also left deep psychological scars, especially among children. Many show signs of distress, like anxiety and difficulty sleeping, and organizations like UNICEF are stepping up efforts to provide psychological support to these young survivors. Child-friendly spaces are being created to help kids cope with their trauma through activities like art.
Thida, mother of Thiri, who is eight years old, shares her concerns about her daughter’s emotional wellbeing, as she often cries in her sleep. Thurein Oo, a ten-year-old boy who was at a mosque when the earthquake struck, also speaks of his fear and anxiety during the event. UNICEF and partners are working hard to support the mental health of children through various initiatives.
Earthquake survivors are surveying the ruins of their homes as the focus shifts to rebuilding. Experts emphasize the importance of earthquake-resistant construction to reduce future risks. Organisations such as UN-Habitat and UNDRR are advocating for risk-sensitive urban development, aiming to make new structures more resilient to future earthquakes.
Anacláudia Rossbach, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, reiterates the commitment to making the rebuilt areas stronger and more resilient than before, reducing the impact of future natural disasters.
Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2025/05/1163046
