Venezuela earthquakes: IFRC dispatches emergency field hospital; supports Venezuelan Red Cross distribution of humanitarian relief kits

Caracas / Panama City / Geneva 06 July 2026 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is continuing to scale up its response to the recent earthquakes in Venezuela and its support to the Venezuelan Red Cross in delivering humanitarian assistance to people affected by the unprecedented disaster.The IFRC dispatched an emergency field hospital to La Guaira over the weekend (July 5), in partnership with the Spanish Red Cross, which also provided doctors and other health professionals. The emergency field hospital can provide primary health care to 30,000 people and will be fully operational in the coming days. It can also support maternal and infant care, vaccinations, epidemiological and nutritional surveillance, and mental and psychosocial support, and can accommodate up to 20 patients for overnight observation. Mobile health clinics will also begin operating to reach affected people and help ensure healthcare access for the communities we serve.This emergency field hospital will support the Venezuelan Red Cross's existing field hospital, which has been operating since the crisis began. This field hospital has already treated hundreds of trauma cases in the days following the twin earthquakes and is now increasingly providing primary care and psychosocial support to affected people.In addition to these health services, the Venezuelan Red Cross, supported by the IFRC, is distributing relief items in affected areas, such as the San Martín Parish in Caracas in a school where families are sheltered after their homes were damaged by the earthquakes. Relief items included hygiene kits, cleaning kits, sleeping kits, water filters and jerrycans. This is part of the 36 tons of humanitarian aid dispatched to Venezuela from IFRC humanitarian hubs in Panama and Argentina.The scaling up of health services and aid distribution comes as search-and-rescue activities slow down. As the crisis evolves, so do the health needs of affected communities. In the first days after the earthquakes, the focus was on emergency care. Current assessment identifies mental and psychosocial support, primary and maternal health, prevention, and safe water and sanitation as key to this transition phase of the humanitarian response.The IFRC calls on the international community, donors and partners to support the emergency appeal so affected communities in Venezuela can receive the full scope of life-saving assistance they urgently need.IFRC spokespeople are available for interviews from Caracas and can facilitate media reporting on the response in Caracas and La Guaira, including the humanitarian situation, relief efforts, humanitarian needs and the need for continued international support in the weeks ahead.For more information or to set up an interview contact: [email protected] In Venezuela:Paolo Cravero, +41 79 894 8396 In Panama: Susana Arroyo Barrantes, +507 6999-3199 In Geneva: Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575 

“We're drawing on our inner strength to keep providing support”

Venezuela earthquakes: IFRC launches emergency appeal to assist 300,000 people and dispatches first 17 tonnes of humanitarian cargo

Caracas / Panama City / Geneva 26 June 2026 — Fewer than forty-eight hours after two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an Emergency Appeal for 50 million Swiss francs. Money raised will support the Venezuelan Red Cross in assisting 300,000 people seriously hit. The initial focus will be on La Guaira and Greater Caracas, where the destruction is most severe."These quakes have been devastating for the people of Venezuela," said Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the IFRC. "Tens of thousands of lives have changed forever. IFRC and Venezuelan Red Cross teams responded immediately; the value of having local teams, permanently in place, has already become clear. But a disaster of this scale cannot rest on local shoulders alone. We call on the international community to support our emergency appeal, providing support over coming days and for the long road ahead."This morning, the first 17 tonnes of humanitarian supplies are leaving the IFRC's regional humanitarian hub in Panama, via Tocumen International Airport, bound for Venezuela. The cargo includes kitchen sets, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, and other essential items.The Venezuelan Red Cross has been working around the clock — carrying out search and rescue, physical and and psychological first aid, restoring family links and damage assessments — even though its own volunteers are among those affected. Its National Headquarters has been critically damaged and some volunteers have lost their homes. The Venezuelan Red Cross’ national network of hospitals, clinics and ambulance services is helping to support an overwhelmed health system.The IFRC released two million Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) a few hours after the disaster. This IFRC Emergency Appeal seeks additional resources for the Venezuelan Red Cross to deliver emergency shelter and health care, including the setting up of field hospitals in the worst-affected areas. It will also allow for mental health and psychosocial support, safe water and sanitation services, the distribution of essential relief items and cash assistance, and the restoration of family links and protection services.With communications disrupted and many families separated, and because large Venezuelan communities live across the region, National Red Cross Societies in ten countries (Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina) have activated restoring family links services to help people find news of their relatives.For more information and to arrange interviews, contact: [email protected] Panama:Susana Arroyo, +507 69993199In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367Paolo Cravero, +41 79 894 83 96

Venezuela: Earthquake 2026

Two powerful earthquakes have struck Venezuela, severely affecting Gran Caracas and La Guaira, and causing widespread destruction across the capital and surrounding areas. The Venezuelan Red Cross is on the ground, carrying out search and rescue operations, assisting the injured, and assessing urgent and growing needs.IFRC has launched an emergency appeal to support the response activities of the Venezuelan Red Cross. Donations are made to the IFRC, which will channel resources to its member National Society and ensure accountability for their use.Donate today to help IFRC and VRC scale up their response and bring life-saving assistance to those who need it most.

Venezuela: Red Cross responds as needs emerge in the aftermath of powerful back-to-back earthquakes

Caracas/Panama City/Geneva, 25 June 2026 — Two powerful earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela on the evening of 24 June, less than a minute apart: a 7.2 magnitude foreshock at around 6:04 p.m. local time, followed 39 seconds later by a 7.5 magnitude mainshock, with epicentres in the Yaracuy region, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).The earthquakes caused structural collapses and damage to homes and businesses in Caracas and across several states, with particularly serious impact reported in La Guaira and Greater Caracas. National authorities have declared a state of emergency, suspended classes and non-essential activities, ordered preventive evacuations, activated search-and-rescue operations and set up reception centres for people affected, while hospitals receive the injured.Power, telecommunications and transport have been disrupted, and critical damage has been reported to essential health and transport infrastructure, leaving public services intermittent or interrupted in some areas. Damage assessments remain preliminary, and the full human impact is not yet known while strong aftershocks are posing additional risks to affected communities and to the teams responding.The Venezuelan Red Cross is operational and responding. Its nationwide network of hospitals and polyclinics remains active and continues to deliver care. The National Society has activated rescue teams to support evacuation and search efforts and deployed four assessment teams overnight to carry out rapid evaluations in the worst-affected areas, while mobilising prepositioned relief supplies. Although it has reported critical damage to its own National Headquarters, the Venezuelan Red Cross is accounting for the safety of its staff and volunteers, activating security protocols and sharing earthquake safety guidance with communities — even as many of its volunteers respond while facing this emergency in their own neighbourhoods.While assessments continue, the most urgent anticipated needs are search and rescue, emergency shelter for families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed, and emergency health care, including trauma care and psychosocial support. Safe water and sanitation and essential household items are also expected to be priorities in the hours and days ahead. With communications disrupted and many families separated, Red Cross Societies in Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras and Argentina — countries home to large Venezuelan communities — have already activated their restoring family links services, helping people search for news of their loved ones.The International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies is activating its response mechanisms, including its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), as more information becomes available.Available content of the Venezuela Red Cross response:Photo collection: https://shared.ifrc.org/collections/~965823c921Video:https://x.com/CruzRojaVe/status/2070015232089420141For more information and to arrange interviews, contact: [email protected] PanamaSusana Arroyo +507 69993199In GenevaTommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367 | Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 83 96

One year after Myanmar earthquake, local responders drive recovery as international support remains critical

Yangon/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 27 March 2026–One year after a devastating earthquake struck central Myanmar, communities and local responders continue to show extraordinary strength as they rebuild amid overlapping crises. Even as thousands of families work to recover from the destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities, ongoing conflict, economic challenges, flooding, and extreme heat have compounded hardship for millions across the country.In the face of these challenges, IFRC support has been critical in helping the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) and its network of thousands of trained volunteers to remain a lifeline for communities, often reaching the most vulnerable families in distant and hard to access areas. Support by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and 32 National Societies worldwide, as well as other partners and donors, has brought vital assistance to more than 213,652 people across 31 townships.Local volunteers at the heart of a community-driven recoveryFrom the earliest hours of the disaster, MRCS staff and volunteers mobilised to provide first aid, health care, food and safe water, shelter items, and essential household supplies – often travelling from all corners of the country to assist those in need.“One year after the March 2025 earthquake, communities in Myanmar continue to show remarkable strength and dignity,”said Nadia Khoury, Head of Delegation, IFRC Myanmar.“I have just travelled to activity sites in 16 different villages and wards in several of the earthquake-affected areas and was impressed to see how the Myanmar Red Cross has worked with community committees, with village leaders, and through its volunteers to really address the biggest needs of the communities in an inclusive, participatory, and dignified manner,” she added.Flexible assistance: restoring choice, dignity, and faster recoveryA cornerstone of the response has been multipurpose assistance, which has allowed families to choose what matters most as they start to rebuild their lives. After receiving emergency shelter, health support, and essential items, many used grants to repair homes, buy food, replace lost belongings, or pay medical fees.Through MRCS’s strong community networks, multipurpose assistance has been delivered effectively, including in hard-to-access locations. While working in these locations can be challenging and requires careful management, MRCS has put strong systems in place to ensure funds are used safely and effectively. Over the past year, the IFRC also facilitated using new digital tools to improve transparency, strengthen community feedback, and ensure assistance reaches those most in need, when they need it.Community-led shelters enabling safer, dignified livingIn parallel, the Myanmar Red Cross has enabled hundreds of families to build safe, locally appropriate homes through a community-led shelter approach, with technical assistance and guidance from MRCS and IFRC. Using grants, families select from preferred designs that meet safety standards and incorporate Build Back Safer techniques, including rainwater harvesting, ventilation, sanitation facilities, and solar power. These shelters are built with local materials and enhanced to withstand future hazards such as earthquakes, flooding, and cyclones.Massive needs remain as recovery continuesDespite significant progress, thousands of families still require support to rebuild livelihoods, homes, and essential services. Reconstructing water and sanitation systems, restoring access to health care, and reestablishing sustainable income opportunities will require time and continued investment.“There's still so much to be done this year and in 2027. We've had a remarkable response from the international community. The MRCS has delivered with professionalism, with expertise in a timely manner and we look forward to working together to keep assisting those affected by the earthquake and other vulnerable people here in Myanmar,” said Jonathan Brass,Operations Manager, IFRC Myanmar Delegation.IFRC calls for sustained supportTheIFRC Emergency Appeal for Myanmar remains only 29.4% funded, limiting the ability to scale up recovery activities that communities urgently need. Additional contributions are essential to ensure families can continue rebuilding with dignity and hope.“Recovery is far from over. Now we look forward to the recovery phase through livelihood, additional integrated shelter and sanitation and embedding sustainability and disaster preparedness in our community work,” added Nadia Khoury.Note to editors:Visuals:PhotosandB-roll are available. Story:One year after the earthquake, rebuilding lives and livelihoodsFor more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Kuala Lumpur:Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367

Sounds like home: One year after the earthquake, rebuilding lives and livelihoods

The long road to recovery: Six months after the quake in Afghanistan's Kunar Province, the memories remain painfully vivid

Double disaster duty: Three months ago, a devastating typhoon hit a part of the Philippines that had just suffered a catastrophic earthquake. As always, volunteers in hard-hit communities played a critical role.

Philippines earthquake: 30 seconds and a life turned upside down

Urgent humanitarian needs remain in Myanmar, over six months after devastating earthquakes – IFRC.

Yangon, Kuala Lumpur, Geneva, 10 October 2025 – Six months after powerful earthquakes struck central Myanmar, thousands of families are still living in fragile and unsafe conditions, particularly households headed by women, the elderly, those with special needs, and those in hard-to-reach areas and with limited means to rebuild.The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) urges continued attention on the humanitarian needs in Myanmar and seeks further support for meaningful assistance and recovery for affected populations.Since the earthquakes on 28 March 2025, Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS), working with the IFRC network and other partners, has reached more than 200,000 people across 30 affected townships.MRCS has been providing multisectoral assistance, including essential food and water relief, emergency shelter assistance, community health services through mobile clinics, assistance to address basic daily needs in a dignified manner that enables affected people to choose their own priorities, community-based initiatives such as water and sanitation solutions, psychosocial support, and child-friendly spaces which provide joy and respite to children and their carers alike.The IFRC has been working hand in hand with the MRCS throughout this response and will continue efforts to help the most vulnerable communities recover and rebuild their lives, working in a neutral and impartial manner.The IFRC emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring sustainability of humanitarian services through deepening localization and stronger community-based approaches, as the MRCS and IFRC network are promoting. Through local presence, strong community participation and acceptance, recovery activities must be based on dignity and protection for affected populations.Six months after the earthquakes, Mr. Xavier Castellanos, Under Secretary General for National Society Development and Coordination of the IFRC, met with earthquake affected communities, Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) volunteers, and local community leaders in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyitaw.In Sagaing Region, MRCS operates a community mobile clinic serving earthquake-affected and displaced communities twice a week. Many of the patients seek care for non-communicable diseases, underscoring the importance of continuous community health services in disaster-affected areas. In parallel, other communities are receiving essential relief items and assistance to address their immediate needs, and dozens of affected families in Amarapura and Sagaing are receiving support on safe shelter approaches. Elderly sisters in Tatkon township, Naypyitaw, point to the rubble of their destroyed home which they could not afford to clear, before they could even start thinking about rebuilding.“Affected families consistently told us about their top priority needs: repairing or rebuilding their damaged or destroyed homes, accessing healthcare and medicine especially for chronic illnesses among the elderly, accessing education and ensuring livelihoods to enable them to provide for their families and sustain themselves,” said Mr. Castellanos. “These choices reflect the dignity and priorities of people who know best what their families need.”MRCS volunteers, working tirelessly every day over the past six months, have delivered critical humanitarian assistance despite ongoing challenges: essential relief items, safe drinking water, psychosocial support, and care for children, creating child-friendly spaces of hope and humanity amidst crisis. Inspiring youth volunteers, motivated by wanting to be helpful to those in need, have a key role in growing understanding, trust and acceptance within communities.“Seeing the teams in action and meeting communities recovering from this devastating earthquake reconfirms the critical role of the Myanmar Red Cross Society in this complex setting, working alongside IFRC and our partners. I was very touched by the volunteers’ stories about how they provided any assistance they could, first to their families then to their communities, and how deeply that was appreciated by affected populations, both elderly and young,” Mr. Castellanos noted. “Their efforts are saving lives, restoring dignity, and giving people hope for the future.”Despite significant progress on the earthquake response, the damage was so massive in scale that considerable urgent needs remain. Too many families still live in damaged or unsafe shelters. Many more are affected by the multi-layered humanitarian situation in Myanmar, including unprecedented floods last year, with their vulnerability most recently impacted by the earthquakes. Damaging coping mechanisms are pushing these communities further into crisis.The Federation-wide Myanmar Earthquake Emergency appeal is currently 25% funded, with a significant funding gap. The IFRC expresses its gratitude for the generous funding received to date as well as the strong solidarity and humanitarian response capacities throughout the IFRC network. IFRC also underlines the complimentary work of the components of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, based on their areas of expertise.Further resources and donor support are urgently needed to continue providing humanitarian services, to scale up support for recovery and resilience and to invest in long-term recovery for affected communities. Recovery will continue to take time and based on continuing exchanges with communities and market analysis, it will be more costly than initially planned. Linking sustainable recovery efforts with integrated community resilience, disaster preparedness and consolidation of community mechanisms will be critical to ensuring a safer and more dignified future for families affected by the earthquakes and other shocks.To support the ongoing response of IFRC and MRCS, please contribute to the Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal.Audiovisual materials: https://shared.ifrc.org/collections/5562For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 192 713 641In Geneva: Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575 Notes for editors:Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) Response (up to 30 September 2025) and the IFRC network’s support The earthquakes of 28 March 2025 are reported as having caused widespread damage, over 1.35 million people have been affected from more than 55 townships across five states and regions (Mandalay, Sagaing, Naypyitaw, Southern Shan and Bago).  3,815 lives were lost, over 5,104 injured, and more than 200,000 people were displaced.Since 28 March 2025, Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) has reached more than 200,000 people across 30 townships with the support from Movement partners and external partners.More than 99,359 people have received health care, and more than 1.3 million liters of safe drinking water have been distributed. Sanitation and hygiene services have reached 170,961 people through the clean water supply, construction of latrines, distribution of water tanks and water filters, distribution of hygiene kits and cleaning materials, and hygiene awareness sessions.More than 157,904 people have received shelter and household items such as shelter kits, tarpaulins, mosquito nets, and kitchen sets. Multipurpose assistance reached over 100,000 people. In addition, 150 households received assistance for latrine construction.More than 126,922 people have received food and livelihood assistance, mainly mobilized locally from individuals and non-Movement partners of MRCS.Considering protection, gender and inclusion (PGI), more than 19,220 people have been reached with gender and age specific items such as dignity kits, infant kits, and delivery kits.MRCS received 300 metric tonnes of relief and goods in country, from the IFRC Network, other partners, and donor governments.32 National Societies globally have, to date, supported MRCS in this operation (financially, with in-kind donations, or with technical support).MRCS has deployed over 698 volunteers from its network of trained and experienced volunteers countrywide. 

Philippines: Earthquake and Typhoons

The Philippine province of Cebu was still reeling from the devastation of a magnitude 6.9 earthquake, when it was struck by a powerful Tyhpoon Kalmaegi (known locally as Tino) along with eight other nearby provinces. Since that time, Super Typhoon Fungwong (local name Uwan), also passed over the country, leaving a trail of devastation.  This revised emergency appeal expands the earlier Cebu Earthquake emergency operation from a single-province, earthquake-focused response to a multiple-province, multi-hazard intervention addressing the combined impacts of the earthquake, the recent storms, and typhoons still expected in this season. The scale-up prioritises integrated assistance – shelter and livelihoods, health, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene – to address rapidly rising needs among displaced populations and hardest-hit communities. Reflecting this significant scale-up, the overall funding requirement has increased from CHF 8 million to CHF 18 million. The target number of families to be assisted has also expanded from 14,588 to 56,981.

Red Cross launches emergency appeal as needs soar following devastating Cebu Earthquake in the Philippines

Manila/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva,2 October2025–The 6.9magnitudeearthquake that struck off the coast of Bogo City, Cebu,in the Philippineson 30 September has left a trail of destruction-thousands of families are now in desperate need of food, clean water, shelter, and medical care. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for CHF 8 million to support the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), which is on the ground delivering lifesavingassistanceto affected communities. “Our teams were on the move within hours of the quake, thanks to our strong network of trained staff and dedicated volunteers,”said Gwen Pang, Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross.With the supportof IFRC, the PRC teams have been deployed toconductrapid assessments,providefirst aid, clean water,foodandpsychosocial support. It has alsodeployedrescue vehicles, generators, and blood units. “The needs areimmense, but we continue to strive to provide the much-neededassistanceto those affected by the earthquake.We urgently need support to sustain and scale up our operations.” Access to the most affected mountainous areasremainsasignificant challenge due to damaged roads, while ongoing aftershocks continue to pose a threat tosafety and delay rescue and relief efforts. Critical infrastructure and lifelines are currently non-operational in some areas. Despite having one of the most robust preparedness systems in the country,with 102 chapters nationwide, over 1,900 staff, and more than 541,000 volunteers,the PRCis under immense pressure. Just months ago, it was responding to multiple typhoons and storms across the country. Now, as it continues to aid earthquake-affected communities, PRCremainson high alert as new weather systems threaten otherareas. “This is a compounding crisis,climate emergencies, disasters, and now an earthquake,all hitting communities already under stress,”saidSanjeev Kafley,Head of Delegation for the IFRC in the Philippines.“We are committed to supporting the Philippine Red Cross in this emergency and throughout the long road to recovery. But we urgently need theinternationalcommunity’s help to meet immediate needs and support a sustainable, dignified recovery.” From Response to Recovery: A Two-Year Plan to Rebuild LivesTo ensure long-term recovery, PRC and IFRC are rolling out a two-yearcomprehensiverecovery plan that goes beyond short-term aid. This initiative will provide access to safe shelter, medical care, clean water, psychosocial support, and livelihood restoration,ensuring communities can rebuild not just their homes, but their lives. TheIFRCis calling on donors, partners, and the publicto help scale up its response, reaching more people, faster, and sustaining support well into the recovery phase.“Filipino communities are incredibly resilient,butwecannot recover alone,”Pang added.“With your support, we can rebuild stronger and ensure no one is left behind.”For more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Lumpur:AfrhillRances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva:Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709

One month on: IFRC warns of urgent needs as Afghanistan earthquake survivors face harsh winter

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva 1 October 2025– One month after a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is warning that tens of thousands of families remain without adequate shelter as winter rapidly approaches. The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), supported by IFRC and partners, has reached nearly 90,000 people with emergency health care, shelter, food, and cash assistance — but the needs remain immense.The earthquake, which devastated Kunar and Nangarhar provinces and affected neighbouring Laghman and Nuristan, killed more than 2,200 people and left over 8,000 homes destroyed or damaged. Entire communities were flattened in remote, mountainous districts. With more than 1.3 million people directly and indirectly affected, many families are still living in tents, makeshift shelters, or under the open sky.In the immediate aftermath, ARCS mobilized 13 Mobile Health Teams, supported by the IFRC network,providing more than 5,900 outpatient consultations, maternal health care, and psychosocial support. Ambulance services and helicopter evacuations have transferred the severely injured to hospitals in Jalalabad and Kunar, while community volunteers have been delivering first aid and hygiene promotion in hard-to-reach areas. The IFRC has also collaborated closely with the ICRC in its interventions, access to hard-to-reach areas, and external engagement.Temporary camps have been established in Kunar Province, hosting more than 11,000 displaced people, with tents, hot meals, clean water, and essential household items. To date, 15,000 people have received cash assistance to meet urgent needs, while thousands more have received blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, and kitchen sets. Relief efforts have also focused on waste management, safe water provision, and restoring vital access roads blocked by landslides.“Thanks to the dedication of Afghan Red Crescent volunteers and the support of our partners, thousands of families have received lifesaving help. But the reality is that much more is needed,”said Joy Singhal, Interim Head of Delegation, IFRC Afghanistan. “As winter sets in, tents are not enough. Families need safe, warm, and dignified shelter to survive the freezing months ahead.”The IFRC Emergency Appealseeks CHF 25 million, but only 31 per cent has been covered so far. Without additional support, IFRC and ARCS will not be able to scale up shelter construction, winterization, and longer-term recovery efforts. Immediate priorities include winter-ready shelters, food and cash assistance, clean water, health services, and protection for women, children, and the elderly. Over the medium term, families will need transitional housing, livelihoods support, and improved water and sanitation systems to rebuild their lives.Time and again, the people of Afghanistan are grappling with multiple crises at once. The IFRC is running concurrent operations to support families returning from Pakistan and Iran, while also addressing widespread malnutrition and the impacts of recurrent flooding. These overlapping emergencies deepen the vulnerability of earthquake-affected families and stretch already limited resources.“The Afghan people are showing extraordinary resilience, but they cannot do this alone,”said Molavi Ruhullah Mohmand, Acting Secretary General of ARCS. “We urge the international community to stand in solidarity and help us ensure that no family spends this winter without a roof over their heads.”The IFRC is calling on governments, donors, and partners to step up support urgently. Without decisive action in the coming weeks, thousands of families will face the bitter Afghan winter in unsafe conditions, risking further loss of life.For more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709

Courage in crisis: How one volunteer saved dozens of lives after Myanmar’s March 2025 earthquake

Just more than six months ago, two powerful earthquakes struck central Myanmar, impacting more than 1.35 million people and devastating thousands of homes, schools, and hospitals.In this moment of chaos, many found hope in the Red Cross uniform. May Tha Gyan, a dedicated female volunteer from Pubbathiri Township in Naypyitaw, one of the earthquake hardest-hit areas, was among them.On that fateful day, the 31-year-old May was on duty at the Red Cross Headquarters in Naypyitaw, donned in her uniform. The disaster hit close to home: her two older children were at Sunday school while her youngest daughter was with her husband.With phone lines immediately down and roads destroyed, she couldn’t reach them. Yet, her sense of duty guided her forward without hesitation.‘No time to think’The first person May helped was a woman with a severe head injury. Drawing on her training from the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS), she stopped the bleeding, bandaged the wound, and arranged for an ambulance. As she transported the injured, her journey transformed into a mobile first aid station.“In an emergency, there’s no time to think too much,”May recalls. “As soon as people were rescued, I had to make quick decisions on how to give first aid.”Only later did she learn from her husband that her family was safe, allowing her to focus entirely on the overwhelmed hospital.“It was extremely chaotic: people with amputations, head injuries, and blood everywhere,”she described, detailing how she helped doctors determine who needed urgent care‘I broke down’The most challenging moment arrived when a grieving mother placed her lifeless child in May’s arms. “As a mother myself, I broke down,”she admitted, grappling with thoughts of her own children and questioning her husband’s assurances.Still, May persevered. By 4 PM that same day, she had taken on the role of first id team leader, guiding four volunteers into collapsed buildings to search for survivors.For 15 days, they worked tirelessly, making critical decisions. May found strength in knowing her husband and parents cared for her children, allowing her the peace of mind to fulfill her mission.‘Every household needs first-aid knowledge’In her neighborhood, nearly all 200 buildings had collapsed. Although her house remained, it leaned precariously against a ruin, forcing her family to sleep on the street with 700 others for 20 days. During that time, she emerged as a pillar of strength, providing care and comfort to around 200 households.Her message is clear: “First aid is critical. It saves lives in the crucial moments before reaching a hospital or clinic.”Passionate about teaching these skills to young people, she emphasizes that “In disasters, every household needs first aid knowledge to save lives.”She also stresses self-care for those, like her, who are giving everything they have to help their neighbors. “Volunteers must keep themselves safe first. Only by staying healthy can we save others,”she says.She saved more than 75 livesMay’s unwavering dedication has been recognized. On 13 September 2025, World First Aid Day, she received the First Aid Excellence Award for saving more than 75 lives through first aid in just two years. She has also rescued over 200 people during floods and provided aid in a serious bus accident.These earthquakes struck amid existing floods, conflict, economic struggles, and extreme heat, pushing communities to their limits. Six months later, the IFRC and its membership transitioned from supporting the Myanmar Red Cross with emergency relief to early recovery, providing shelter, cash, healthcare, and clean water.May remains tirelessly involved, distributing aid and training over 20 young people in first aid. And she is not alone. She is just one of many Myanmar Red Cross volunteers who have responded courageously and tirelessly from the moment the quake struck, through today’s on-going recovery efforts.While some families have begun rebuilding, many still live in temporary shelters. The road to recovery is long, but individuals like May ensure that no one is left behind.Learn more about the IFRC and Myanmar Red Cross response:As of 30 September 2025, with support of theIFRC Emergency Appealand other International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, as well as other donors, the Myanmar Red Cross Society has reached more than 200,000 people across 30 townships. This includes:More than 99,359 people have received health care, and more than 1.3 million liters of safe drinking water have been distributed.Sanitation and hygiene services have reached 170,961 people through the clean water supply, construction of latrines, distribution of water tanks and water filters, distribution of hygiene kits and cleaning materials, and hygiene awareness sessions.More than 157,904 people have received household items such as shelter kits, mosquito nets, and kitchen sets. MPCA reached more than 15,015 households. This is in addition to 23,424 householdsreached through Complementary Cash Assistance. In addition, 150 households received cash assistance for latrines.More than 126,922 people have received food and livelihood assistance, mainly mobilized locally from individuals and non-Movement partners of MRCS.Considering protection, gender and inclusion (PGI), more than 19,220 people have been reached with gender and age-specific items such as dignity kits, infant kits, and delivery kits.300 metric tonnes of relief and goods arrived in country from the IFRC Network, other partners, and donor governments.32 National Societies globally have, to date, supported MRCS in this operation (financially, with in-kind donations, or with technical support).MRCS has deployed over 698 volunteers from its network of trained and experienced volunteers countrywide.You can support volunteers like May Tha Gyan by donating to the Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal.

IFRC launches emergency appeal to support Afghanistan earthquake recovery

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 2 September 2025 -The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is launching an emergency appeal to support people affected by the powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan late on 31 August.The earthquake hit parts of Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces, affecting over 1.3 million people and leaving hundreds of homes destroyed or damaged.In response, the IFRC has launched an emergency appeal for 25 million Swiss francs to meet critical humanitarian needs and to support the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) in immediate response and recovery efforts until the end of December 2027.The IFRC and ARCS are launching an integrated response to support earthquake-affected families with emergency shelter, multi-purpose cash assistance, primary healthcare services, and clean water. Medium-term support will focus on transitional shelters and safe housing so families can rebuild their lives with dignity.“This earthquake could not have come at a worse time.The disaster not only brings immediate suffering but also deepens Afghanistan’s already fragile humanitarian crisis.The days ahead are critical to save lives and address immediate humanitarian needs,” said Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General.“Through this emergency appeal, we are scaling up support to reach as many people as possible. Now, and over the next two years, international support is and will be critical to meet the sheer scale of needs on the ground.”The IFRC is coordinating closely with ARCS, which is leading local response efforts with its trained volunteers and branches across the affected areas. Field assessments are ongoing, and mobile health teams are supporting overwhelmed hospitals with first aid and ambulance services. With IFRC support, ARCS has pre-positioned emergency stocks in Kabul, including thousands of blankets, tents, water containers and kitchen sets, ready to assist thousands of families.The IFRC calls on the international community to maintain strong support for the Afghan people, to meet growing humanitarian needs and support longer-term recovery efforts.For more information, please contact: [email protected] Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109Scott Craig, +41 76 370 35 75

Afghanistan: Earthquake 2025

A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on 31 August, devastating Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces. More than 1,100 people have lost their lives, nearly 3,000 are injured, and damaged roads and overwhelmed health facilities leave survivors struggling to access urgent care. The Afghan Red Crescent is on the ground providing emergency relief, but they need urgent support to reach more communities with life-saving aid. Your donation can make a difference – donate now to help the Afghan Red Crescent Society provide life-saving assistance.

Afghanistan earthquake: IFRC responds to devastating quake in southeastern provinces

Kabul/Geneva, 1 September –A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan late on 31 August, causing widespread destruction across Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces. Initial reports indicate over 550 fatalities, more than 1,000 injuries, and 600 homes destroyed or damaged. Many families are displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is supporting the response. One IFRC staff member is currently en route to the affected areas with the ECHO team to assess needs on the ground. The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) has deployed emergency teams to support people affected, deliver immediate relief andconduct aerial and field assessments. Ambulances are transporting the injured to overwhelmed medical facilities, including the Nangarhar Regional Specialist Hospital, which has reached full capacity.Urgent humanitarian needs include:Search and rescue supportEmergency healthcare (trauma care, medicines, blood supplies)Food and clean waterRoad access restorationSpokespersons are available for Interviews in Afghanistan, Kuala Lumpur and Geneva. For more information or to set up an interview contact: [email protected] Kuala Lumpur:Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575

At a small school in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, people find safe haven after a devastating earthquake

When 26-year-old Khin Su Wai walks through the shattered grounds of Yadana Theingi Nun Monastery School in Sagaing Region, the memories are painful, but her dedication to her work as a teacher remains unshaken.“I lost everything – my two sons, my husband, and my mother-in-law,” she says quietly.On 28 March 2025, a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, destroying homes and turning entire communities to rubble. Yadana Theingi Nun Monastery School was among the hardest hit in Sagaing.Sixteen people lost their lives at school, including Khin’s loved ones. Khin has been a volunteer teacher at this school for more than 7 years.“I couldn’t eat or sleep. I didn’t even recognize myself in those early days,” she recalls.Yadana Theingi is not an ordinary monastic school. It is a place where internally displaced people from across Myanmar were hosted even before the earthquake happened. It is a sanctuary for over 100 students (ranging in age from 5 to 18) including novice monks, nuns, and children from diverse ethnic backgrounds such as Chin, Paluang, Shan, Burma, and Pa-O (from the Eastof the country).Everything changedAfter the earthquake, everything changed. Previously seated at desks in classrooms, the children now study on bare floors sharing only one whiteboard. When the main building collapsed, safe sleeping spaces also became limited.“There are not enough places for the children to sleep,” Khin explains. “We do what we can, but it’s very difficult.”In the immediate aftermath of the quake, volunteers from the Myanmar Red Cross – many from communities hard hit by the quake – jumped into action.In response to community requests, they set up tents provided to IFRC by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) with funding from the Government of the Republic of Korea. These tents offered a critical, temporary safe place for people as they work toward rebuilding their livelihoods, homes and communities.Red Cross volunteers also installed tents in nearby places such as mosques and community areas in Poe Tan Quarter, Sagaing.A comprehensive response enters a critical phaseBut this is only a small part of the support the Myanmar Red Cross delivered. In five states and regions impacted by the quake (Sagaing, Mandalay, Naypyitaw, southern part of Shan and eastern part of Bago), Red Cross volunteers provided tarpaulins, shelter kits, cash assistance, health care, mental health and psycho-social support, safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services, and many other forms of support.With support of theIFRC Emergency Appealand other International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, as well as other donors,the Myanmar Red Cross has so far reached close to 200,000 people with emergency shelter, health care, safe water, and cash assistance.This includes over 23,000 shelter kits, 6,000 family tents, and over 13,000 people reached with health care, including through mobile clinics.As we mark 100 days since the earthquake, the IFRC honors the dedication of Myanmar Red Cross volunteers – as well as volunteer teachers like Khin Su Wai – who have given so much to help their communities cope with these tragic events.The IFRC also calls for far greater support for its Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal in order to enable the Myanmar Red Cross to help more people rebuild their homes, re-establish livelihoods, and restore communities.The next 100 days will be a particularly critical phasegiven that rebuilding safe transitional shelter and sustainable livelihoods takes more time and investment than the early, emergency response phase. At the same time, the Myanmar Red Cross will be helping these communities prepare for potential future shocks.Unfortunately, as of now, the IFRC’s Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal has only garnered 22 per cent of the funds that would be needed to help the Red Cross achieve these goals.Reviving displaced dreamsAt the Yadana Theingi Nun Monastery School, the desire to rebuild is strong as many people yearn to get beyond relief and begin pursuing their real life dreams.“I want to help people rebuild the buildings safer,” says 16-year-old novice monk Khaw Gay Shwe, a student at the school. Khaw was displaced due to civil unrest from Chin State. His favorite subject is English, and he dreams of studying overseas to become a civil engineer.Another 12-year-old novice, Aung Khant wants to become a teacher like Khin. Like many of the students, Aung Khant has been helping to clear the debris from the collapsed building outside of school hours.Meanwhile, the young novice monks sleep safely at night inside the tents. “The novices really love the tents,” Khin says with a rare smile. “They aren’t forced to sleep there - they want to. It feels fun for them.”During the day, the children don’t stay in tents because they are exposed to the scorching 40-degree Celsius heat. But come nightfall, the tents transform into places of rest and comfort.For Khin, there is no going back to her old life. “I plan to volunteer at this school for the rest of my life,” she says. “I have nowhere else to go. Even though it’s painful, I will do my best to keep going."I’m truly grateful to the volunteers and donors who provided tents to our school as temporary shelter. There are still a lot of critical needs, from rebuilding the school to securing teaching materials and food. But step by step, we will rebuild."Learn more about the IFRC’s Myanmar Earthquake Emergency AppealOther articles about Myanmar earthquakeIn the wake of Myanmar earthquake, a mother finds strength in helping othersA tale of two emotions: In Myanmar, visiting people whose lives were upended by the March 28 earthquake, I am torn between hope and fearFrom the classroom to the frontlines: In the wake of crisis, ‘Teacher Honey’ transforms from educator to emergency responderMyanmar earthquake one-month on: needs remain massiveGruelling conditions in Myanmar as humanitarian needs remain high following devastating earthquakeOne Week On: IFRC Scales Up Myanmar Earthquake Response Amid Massive Humanitarian NeedsMyanmar Red Cross races against time to save lives after the earthquakePowerful earthquake rocks central Myanmar: Red Cross responds

In the wake of Myanmar earthquake, a mother finds strength in helping others

Yadanar Yu Hlaing Kyuu, a30-year-old single mother of one,recalls the event of 28 March 2025 vividly. She andher family were having lunch in the outdoor, palm-roofed kitchen next to their home in Shwe Lunn Village, Mandalay, when the tremors began.At first, it felt like a minor shake. But soon, the ground shook violently. Yadanar instinctively hid her son under a table in the kitchen and shielded him with her body. Moments later, concrete buildings within their compound began to fall, and their house came crashing down.Yadanar, her son, and other family memberswere lucky to survive with no injuries.In the aftermath, she joined her neighbors in searching for survivors. At the same time, she frantically tried to reach her co-workers at a popular coffee shop in Mandalay to find out whether they were okay.Once telephone lines were restored, and she was able to speak with one of her co-workers,Yadanarlearnt that the shop had collapsed. While she was lucky to have survived, it hit her that she had lost both her home and her job.One hundred days after this life-changing disaster, the memories are still fresh for many like Yadanar who lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones due to the quake. But many here also remember the bravery and solidarity of people like Yadanar, who immediately joined neighbors in searching for survivors and helping people get through those first terrible days.Support from the Myanmar Red Cross, and the IFRC network (which launchedan emergency appeal and allocated 2 million Swiss francs from theDisaster Response Emergency Fund), has also helped people meet basic nutritional, health, water and shelter needs since the quake (see below for statistics on relief already delivered).Looking ahead to the next 100 days, continued local, national and international solidarity will be critical as the Myanmar Red Cross helps even more people such as Yadanar rebuild homes, livelihoods, support their families while preparing for potential future shocks.For this reason, the IFRC is calling for even greater support of its Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal. Helping people to move back to earthquake resilient shelters and rebuilding livelihoods, takes more time and a larger investment than providing immediate relief after a disaster. Still, the IFRC’s international emergency appeal has received only 22 per cent of the funds needed to help the Myanmar Red Cross meet its earthquake response goals.From survivor to volunteerMeanwhile, in Yadanar’s community, solidarity between neighbors is what has helped them to survive day to day. It started from the moment the shaking stopped.As soon as the earth stopped trembling, Yadanar recalls, her family called out for help, a neighbor came and guided them to safety. Looking back, they saw that their home had been completely destroyed.Fearing more tremors, Yadanar’s mother urged everyone to run to a nearby field. While they were running, a second powerful quake struck. Temples and nearby buildings collapsed before their eyes.In the chaos, Yadanar didn’t hesitate to help. She joined efforts to rescue children trapped beneath rubble, using her bare hands to move heavy bricks and debris. With roads blocked and emergency vehicles unable to reach them, injured residents had to be taken to hospitals on motorcycles.For nearly 15 days, families slept in the open field, too afraid to return to their damaged homes as aftershocks continued.When Red Cross volunteers arrived to assess the damage, they visited each household and added Yadanar’s destroyed home to their list. Then, they returned with much-needed aid — tarpaulins for shelter, clean drinking water, and basic shelter toolkits.Impact with dignityFor Yadanar, the dignity kit provided by the Myanmar Red Cross was especially meaningful. At that point, she and her family didn’t even have spare clothes. The dignity kit included essential items for women, giving her comfort and a sense of dignity during a very difficult time.“The personal items and shelter materials helped us stay protected while we had no proper house,” she said. “We were so happy to receive these things, especially because it’s not easy to go out and buy anything after a disaster like this.”Yadanar says she is deeply grateful to the Myanmar Red Cross team and the donors who supported their recovery. She remembers how the volunteers walked from house to house under the hot sun to make sure families like hers were not forgotten.“Their support made a big difference in our lives,” she said. “I pray that all the donor families stay healthy and never have to face something like this.”Just a year before the earthquake, Yadanar went through a personal crisis and even attempted to take her own life. It was her father who saved her. Surviving the earthquake and seeing her son and family safe gave her a new sense of purpose and strength.Today, Yadanar serves as a volunteer camp committee leader at the earthquake relief camp where 126 families are currently staying near her home. She helps collect the names of people in need, organizes lists of homes that require rebuilding, and supports the distribution of relief items.The camp committee prioritizes families that are very poor or unable to rebuild on their own. She also contributes to building temporary shelters. Though she cannot give money, she gives her time and energy to help others in need.“If I can help others in this life, then maybe in the next life, I’ll be in a better place,” she said. “I hope my son will grow up in a happy family, with both a mother and a father.”Yadanar’s greatest hope now is to build a small earthquake-resilient house made of wood – a safe place where her family can live together again.In the meantime, her son is her biggest source of strength. After a long day of volunteering, he runs to her and calls out, “Mommy!” His love and pride push her to keep going. Her mother also encourages her.“My mother says she’s proud of me,”says Yadanar. “And people tell my mother, ‘Your daughter is amazing,’ and that means a lot … And for my son, people say, ‘Your mother is helping others.’ I want him to be proud of me.”Learn more about the IFRC and Myanmar Red Cross response:As of 30 June 2025, with support of theIFRC Emergency Appeal and other International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, as well as other donors, the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) has reached almost 200,000 people. This includes:• More than 86,000 people have received health care• More than 1.3 million liters of drinking water have been distributed.• Sanitation and hygiene services have benefitted thousands of people through the construction of latrines, distribution of hygiene kits, and hygiene awareness.• More than 156,000 people have received household items such as shelter kits, mosquito nets, and kitchen sets.• More than 100,000 people have received complementary cash assistance.• 19,000 people have been reached with gender- and age-specific items such as dignity kits, infant kits, and delivery kits.Donate to the Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal

Myanmar Earthquakes – 100 Days On

Yangon/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 3 July –A selection of photos isavailable: https://shared.ifrc.org/collections/~370ee1ab10This Sunday, 6 July, marks 100 days since two powerful earthquakes struck central Myanmar, killing more than 3,700 people, injuring thousands more, and affecting over 1.3 million people.The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Myanmar Red Cross Society continue to respond to the devastating impact of the disaster, as it enters a new and critical phase.Red Cross teams are now seeing families begin to return home and restart their lives. But new threats are emerging, and urgent funding is needed to meet recovery needs.The next 100 days will shape how people move from survival to recovery.Spokespeople are available in Myanmar, Kuala Lumpur, and Geneva to mark the 100-day milestone and provide insights into the humanitarian situation and response.Limited interview slots are available on Sunday, 6 July. Spokespeople will also be available throughout the week of July 7.To request an interview or more information, contact: [email protected] Yangon: Swe Zin Myo Win, +95 979 595 6050In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367  Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575

Remote mountainside communities in Nepal: the key source for sustainable solutions in post-earthquake water initiative

The devastating earthquake that struck Nepal in November 2023 not only damaged or destroyed over 75,000 homes and disrupted the livelihood of thousands of people, it also severely damaged critical water sources that communities rely on for everyday survival.In many places, the Karnali earthquake, as it’s called here, altered the local geology enough it disrupted long-time underground water channels. In many cases, springs and wells dried up, or shifted downhill to another location, due to the shifting ground caused by the earthquake.On top of that, the earthwyake severely damaged the infrastructure that brought water to people’s homes and communities. For many communities, this has meant washing, cooking, and irrigating with a lot less available water.To get at the source of the challenge, the Nepal Red Cross Society went directly to the impacted communities. As part of its Karnali Earthquake Response and Recovery Operation, theNepal Red Cross has been working closely with remote rural mountainside communities to create new water sources and systems.From the beginning, the construction of safe drinking water sources involved extensive consultations with local water-use committees, formed to lead the process and ensure that system design is based on a thorough understanding or how and where communities need water delivered.Because most of the intensive household users of water are women, there was significant and enthusiastic female participation, with women taking on important roles of the water committees. One of those women is Mani kumari Khatri, who worked along with her neighbours and the NRCS during the construction of the water supply system.“We now have water from our household tap even after a dry winter this year,”says Mani Kumari Khatri, a local resident of Rukum West. “This water scheme has also provided additional opportunities to grow vegetables in kitchen garden which can be our food, or we can generate some income by selling those vegetables in local market.”“The Red Cross recognised our need for the water and supported the entire building of the water scheme in our community,” she adds. “They worked together with the community to complete the scheme that now benefits twenty-four houses.” With the support of IFRC network, the NRCS supported several communities with safe drinking water systems, along with help with repairs and maintenance in all three earthquake affected districts of Karnali province (Jajarkot, Rukum West and Salyan). In total, this operation has has so far led to:Construction of 23 water supply projects, out of which 16 were repair and maintenance of the existing systems, and 7 were newly constructed.A total of 951 households (322 Jajarkot, 397 Rukum West and 232 Salyan) benefited from these schemes.These efforts are meant to complement the Nepal government’s nationwide implementation of its “One house, one tap” policy as well as the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets for universal access to safe drinking water by 2030.Getting involved in water scheme constructionHajari Oli is another representative among many who have actively contributed to the construction of water supply scheme. As the committee that was formed, Hajari was appointed treasurer. Besides managing the financial expenses for the water supply scheme, she regularly provided much-needed input in the construction of the water scheme, including a lot of hands-on work with many aspects of the building process.“Our village lies at the top of the hill and remains mostly dry, so we, especially the women, have to take a time-consuming trip to collect and fetch water for drinking and for other household purposes,” says Hajari Oli.Now with the support from Nepal Red Cross, the community is constructing two water reservoir tanks and drinking water will soon be available at household level. “We are very happy and excited with this support from the Red Cross. After it is completed, we will use water for drinking as well as for irrigation,” she adds.Local women also helped to collect and manage locally obtained materials, and participated in pipe laying, digging ground, and active leadership in the water user committee.“We had formed a group and divided the responsibility as per our abilities,”says Bhadi Kumari, a member of the committee. “Everyone from the community, including many older people came out together to contribute with great enthusiasm.”Many community members were also able to contribute their own technical skills and experience. A plumbing technician by trade, Karna has over 30 years of experience in water supply systems under his belt and has been involved in the construction of more than 250 water schemes and reservoir tank building.For this reason, the community commissioned him to help with the construction of the two water schemes in Rukum West district, especially for the building of reservoir tanks and plumbing works.“I had received training on water supply scheme construction a long time ago,”says Karna. “From then onwards, I have been working continuously in constructions of the water schemes in many communities including in the neighbouring districts.”Experienced technicians like Karna were not the only ones that were engaged for the construction of the water scheme but opportunities were also provided to young aspiring students like Bibek so that they can acquire practical hands-on skills and exposure.“I got the opportunity to work as technical volunteer for the Red Cross and it was a privilege to serve my community,”says Bibek, technician from Jajarkot. “In addition, I gained practical experience which expanded my knowledge and confidence.”The Water Safety Plan includes the provision of the maintenance fund, caretaker/plumber and include agreed monthly tariff collection from the users, based on the consumption of water through meter reading.From the beginning, it was clear that the local communities shared the NRCS goal of creating durable solutions.“I am voluntarily leading the construction of the water supply scheme in my community,”says Ram Karki, Chairperson of Water User Committee of Jajarkot. “I want to make this scheme work for generations, as we have faced a lot of challenges for safe drinking water before. We have set water pipeline from more than 8 KM from tough terrain in search of quality and durability of source for this scheme.”Transparency and accountabilityIn Karnali Earthquake Recovery Operation, all the construction of the schemes were done in the leadership of the water user committees. From the beginning of the construction work, NRCS had shared the amount of contribution from the organisation as well as from the community.NRCS had organised public audits in the presence of the community members and local stakeholders before handing over the schemes to the communities. During these public audits, detailed expenditure reports were shared. Information boards with detailed budgets were also put up at construction sites for wider information dissemination and transparency.

A tale of two emotions: In Myanmar, visiting people whose lives were upended by the March 28 earthquake, I am torn between hope and fear

By Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary GeneralThe young girl was standing off to the side, watching other children dance and laugh. Her hands were clenched at her sides; her eyes fixed on the ground.The girl looked unsure if she belonged. But then two of our Myanmar Red Cross youth volunteers noticed her.Without a word, they walked over and began dancing right beside her, respectfully, gently and without pressure. Before long, the young girl was in the spotlight, laughing and jumping with others as if she had always been part of the group.It was a moment that represented so much of what I saw as I travelled through Myanmar last week — a moment of fear giving way to hope.As we stopped and visited people in villages and towns most heavily impacted by the March 28 earthquake and its aftershocks, I often felt torn between two strong and competing emotions.On the one hand, I felt a palpable sense of hope. I saw it in the warm and welcoming faces of people living in desperate conditions, yet able to maintain a sense of determination, humanity and dignity.On the other hand, I couldn’t help but feel a nagging sense of worry and even dread as people explained how the earthquake had taken away so much of what they held most dear - homes, loved ones, livelihoods and a sense of safety.These feelings were hard to reconcile because in many places, while there is hope, there is also a very deep and understandable fear about what comes next.When travelling by road from Sagaing to Mandalay, then on to Naypyitaw and Yangon, I saw homes, already half-destroyed by the earthquake, now completely brought down by the rain. In many cases, people who had already been displaced by earlier crises, were now forced to start over yet again.Many are living in tents or crowded homes, facing rising heat with no access to clean water as wells dry up. Combined with the coming monsoon, these conditions are a recipe for outbreaks of diseases like cholera and acute watery diarrhoea.How do we get ahead of this? Can we get the resources we need to pre-empt the coming rains? How can we help ease people’s fears and give them solid reasons to hope? These are the urgent questions I raised with local authorities, humanitarian partners, Red Cross and Red Crescent colleagues, and donors.What we are doing to help?The good news is that throughout my journey in Myanmar, I witnessed a very robust humanitarian response in action. Despite the challenges, its foundation is strong.In every community I visited, the Myanmar Red Cross, supported by the IFRC, was working tirelessly to support those in need. Remarkably, they have access to 80 percent of the earthquake-affected areas, with dedicated staff and volunteers delivering food, water, and other supplies.I saw the Myanmar Red Cross running mobile health clinics, repairing water points and creating child-friendly spaces where children could feel comfort and joy.I saw the Myanmar Red Cross reaching everyone regardless of their background or faith. We visited churches, mosques and temples. This inclusive support builds social cohesion and, most importantly, strengthens community resilience.I saw incredible generosity as volunteers, many affected themselves, mobilized immediately and remain committed.But to turn hope into lasting change, we need more shelters, safe spaces for women and girls and expanded health outreach. This means better access to essential medicines and stronger disease prevention measures for vulnerable communities.We need to continue our critical cash support and increase the distribution of essential household items.And we need to continue strengthening our integrated protection approach: ensuring dignity in every response, offering protection services for at-risk groups and expanding feedback mechanisms to those that we help.Now that I’m back in Geneva, I can’t stop thinking about the people I met in the villages and camps across Myanmar. I still feel a mix of emotions. After all, with the monsoon season fast approaching, time is not on our side.But overall, I returned from my trip hopeful.If we can rally enough support, the Myanmar Red Cross and its volunteers are more than ready to continue and even expand their efforts to deliver life-saving assistance to their communities. While the window for action is short, the power of collective effort is immense. With solidarity and timely support, we can help protect lives and restore dignity where it’s needed most.

From the classroom to the frontlines: In the wake of crisis, ‘Teacher Honey’ transforms from educator to emergency responder

For 13 years, Honey Thin, affectionately known to her students and colleagues as “Teacher Honey,” has dedicated her life to education.As vice principal and head of the English Department at Sunflower Myanmar International School in Mandalay, she has played a crucial role in shaping young minds, teaching English under the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) program.But when a devastating earthquake struck her hometown of Mandalay, Teacher Honey’s calling extended beyond the classroom. She vividly recalls the day the earthquake struck on 28th March, 2025.“I was at school after the lunch break, about to return to my classroom when the ground started shaking,” she recalls.Honey quickly reassured two colleagues she was with to stay calm, thinking it was just a small tremor like the ones she had experienced before.However, the shaking quickly intensified so she and her team took cover under their desks for protection.When the tremors subsided, a fellow teacher opened the door and urged everyone to evacuate immediately without stopping to collect any belongings. Together, they led more than 400 students, with age ranging from five to fifteen, down from the third floor. Thankfully, all of them made it out safely without injury.This was not Honey's first experience with relief work. In September 2024, she and her school team coordinated with the Myanmar Red Cross to provide basic relief supplies to flood-affected families across the Mandalay region when Typhoon Yagi hit.This earlier collaboration, which was also her first exposure to MRCS, left a strong impression on her and solidified her decision to take a more active role when the earthquake struck.“Before the earthquake, my days were filled with teaching, studying, managing teaching staff, and communicating with parents,” Honey shares. However, witnessing the scale of devastation after the earthquake, she felt a deep urge to do more.Just ten days after the disaster, she joined the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) as a volunteer, eager to support the relief and recovery of her community.“I’m just an ordinary person. At first, I felt lost and frustrated during the earthquake, unsure whether to stay or escape. But I calmed myself and found resilience. I realized the community needed us and decided to help in any way I could. That’s why I chose to volunteer with the Red Cross.”Today, Teacher Honey balances her role in education with her commitment to humanitarian work. She supports earthquake response efforts by spraying pesticides to prevent disease, assisting at mobile clinics, distributing purified drinking water, and conducting community assessments to identify urgent needs.Through all these experiences, she has witnessed a broad range of humanitarian challenges beyond her classroom.“In just six days, I have worked across six different locations and taken on six different duties. I’m both excited and proud of myself,” Honey reflects.After the earthquake, Teacher Honey continues teaching her students online, ensuring their learning remains uninterrupted.Despite the ongoing challenges caused by the earthquake, Teacher Honey has continued her commitment to education through online teaching. Using digital platforms, she connects with her students, ensuring that their learning journey is not interrupted even amid the disaster’s aftermath.For Teacher Honey, education is not just about lessons in a classroom, it is a means of providing stability, hope, and life skills, even in times of crisis. This approach aligns with the principles of RED Education, a global initiative that brings together the IFRC network’s efforts to support education in formal and non-formal spaces for children and young people before, during and after disasters or crises. The approach promotes community resilience, knowledge-sharing, and community empowerment.“Before, my world was mostly limited to the classroom—a small space. Now, I see the broader impact we can have, even among broken buildings and disrupted lives.”

Myanmar earthquake one-month on: needs remain massive

Mandalay/Yangon/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 28 April –One month after the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025, humanitarian needs continue to be immense in a country that is both grieving and grappling with new threats - with the imminent arrival of the cyclone and monsoon seasons. The IFRC, Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) and Red Cross and Crescent partners continue to work intensively at the heart of the communities most affected to ensure critical needs are met.Conditions on the ground continue to be very challenging. More than 50,000 buildings have been destroyed, and many more have partially collapsed or are at risk of collapse. Over 198,000 people have been displaced and continue to live outdoors in temperatures of up to forty degrees Celsius, living with an overwhelming fear of further aftershocks. Myanmar’s cyclone season starts within days, exposing coastal populations to strong winds and rains – leaving families to face the risks of floods, landslides and extreme heat.Immediate humanitarian aid remains vital, with IFRC’s efforts also now shifting to focus on early recovery needs. This includes access to more permanent shelter with people’s basic needs being met, as well as sustainable access to water and sanitation and support to help restore shattered livelihoods. These medium and longer-term needs are becoming an important focus of IFRC’s efforts, working alongside the Myanmar Red Cross Society and Red Cross and Crescent partners, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).The sheer geographical scale and magnitude of the disaster – with over 1.3 million people affected over five states and regions of the country - means more international funding is urgently needed.The IFRC launched a 100 million Swiss Francs Emergency Appeal in the immediate aftermath of the disaster – most of which will be invested over two years to reach 100,000 people. This, in a country where people have faced multiple shocks in recent years, including unprecedented floods only seven months ago and ongoing hostilities. But to date, this IFRC appeal is only 15% funded, leaving a massive gap.IFRC and MRCS have been active since day one and are continuing to provide comprehensive humanitarian services in Bago, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Sagaing and Southern Shan. The MRCS has access to the vast majority of the areas impacted by the earthquake and has conducted rapid needs assessments with the IFRC and in coordination with humanitarian agencies. The main needs identified are healthcare, shelter, food, water and sanitation, providing cash and emergency relief items, while addressing specific needs of the young, elderly or disabled.MRCS has reached over 84,000 people with assistance to date. Over 20,000 litres of clean drinking water are being distributed daily, and 250 metric tonnes of relief items have arrived in the country. The IFRC has also deployed 24 Rapid Response personnel from its network of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – some 65 per cent of whom are women. But while immediate needs remain critical, Myanmar’s recovery will be a long road, with strong international support needed in the months ahead.“Initial assistance and comprehensive coverage of needs are essential to enable people to begin rebuilding their lives and livelihoods in a context where time is of the essence”, said Nadia Khoury, Head of Delegation of the IFRC in Myanmar.“Before the earthquake, the Myanmar Red Cross was already present in so much of the affected areas and will continue to remain present - assisting communities in temporary camps, monasteries, mosques, and churches. Its inspiring and dedicated volunteers have the trust, reach and local knowledge to make a real difference in affected communities. But this is not only about immediate needs – the road to recovery for these populations will be long. Investment is critical, not just for today but for the future.”The recovery work constitutes the bulk of the CHF 100 million appeal. This includes restoring livelihoods and community resilience - cash and voucher assistance, transitional shelter, sanitation, agricultural support and vocational training. Community based disaster risk reduction, addressing public health in emergencies, rehabilitation of community infrastructure such as clinics, schools, access to water will also be planned through investment in national humanitarian actors such as the Myanmar Red Cross who are able to provide the most effective and impactful humanitarian assistance.IFRC thanks its donors and its member Red Cross Red Crescent Societies for their valued support through in-kind resources and funding.IFRC continues to call on donors, partners and the international community to provide support to meet the needs of the people of Myanmar, now and in the months ahead.For more information on the ongoing relief efforts in Myanmar or to set up an interview, please contact: [email protected] Yangon:Swe Zin Myo Win,+95 979 595 6050In Kuala Lumpur:Maryann Horne, +61 476 006 007In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 43 67 Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 91 09Note to editorsAV materials are available in this link.