Healing in the Open: Stories of Strength and Recovery After the Earthquake

U Kyi (name changed to protect identity), sitting in his tent in one of the Mandalay earthquake relief camps

Two months after powerful earthquakes that struck central Myanmar in March 2025, tens of thousands of people are still living in makeshift camps—like the one that now covers a football field in Mandalay. As the monsoon season looms, the days are hot, the nights bring rain, and the ground is wet with uncertainty.

Among the camp’s residents is 65-year-old U Kyi (name changed), who has lived under a plastic tent roof for two months. The earthquake took away the safety of his home—but not his independence.

“It is really difficult living here,” he says, seated upright under the shelter’s low roof. “Last night it rained, and I couldn’t sleep. I had to sit up all night because the water seeped through.”

Despite pain in his knees and struggles with high blood pressure, he continues to manage his own care. “My brother’s family is nearby, but they’re busy with their work. I don’t want to ask for more help than necessary.”

He visits the camp’s clinic, supported by WHO and its health partners, where he receives basic medications and regular follow-ups. “They gave me painkillers and medicine for my blood pressure. It helps me get through the day.”

WHO health partner giving essential health care services at one of the earthquake relief camps in Mandalay

In the same camp, a health assistant with a local NGO describes the wide range of needs they see every day.

“We care for people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and those still recovering from trauma injuries,” she says. “But we also see deep mental health impacts—people are anxious, afraid of another earthquake. Some have lost family members. We offer what we can: Psychological First Aid, and we try to listen. But we need more trained staff and space for one-on-one support.”

WHO and its health partners are working tirelessly to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support in crisis-affected areas—but the need remains great. More resources are urgently needed to expand counselling, awareness-raising, and follow-up care for people coping with grief, fear, and uncertainty.

Ko Maung (original name changed for privacy and safeguarding) sitting in his makeshift tent in Mandalay earthquake relief camp

A few tents away, Ko Maung (original name changed for privacy and safeguarding) is recovering from injuries that left him unable to walk. He was inside a mosque when it collapsed during the earthquake. He sustained injuries in his spine and arms. He is now regaining strength day by day.

“Even sitting too long makes my legs shake,” he says. “But I’ve started eating by myself again, and my nieces help me with everything else.” Despite the hardship, he smiles when he mentions the Red Cross medical team and the clinic staff. “They treated me. The wound on my head healed without stitches.”

Still, he faces challenges. Without a wheelchair or walking aid, mobility remains difficult. “Apart from that, I don’t need much,” he says quietly. “Just enough to keep moving.”

WHO health partner’s mobile health clinic giving essential health care services to affected population in Mandalay

Through WHO and its local health partners, critical services are reaching people like U Kyi and Ko Maung—ensuring that recovery and care continues despite displacement.

Aiming to restore essential services and strengthen the resilience of earthquake-affected communities, over 3,100 mothers and newborns have received support through the distribution of clean delivery kits and mother-baby packs. To help prevent disease outbreaks and reduce public health risks in crowded, temporary living conditions, WHO provided emergency response kits that have reached 50,000 people in coordination with local health teams.

For people living with chronic conditions and physical limitations, WHO is supporting access to noncommunicable disease (NCDs) medications and assistive devices, aiming to reach 18,000 beneficiaries across affected regions. This support is intended to help individuals managing conditions such as hypertension and diabetes regain access to regular treatment and mobility aids critical for daily life and long-term recovery. Through the distribution of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) IEC materials and practical guidebooks, WHO is helping more than 61,000 earthquake-affected individuals—including frontline workers and volunteers—build the knowledge and skills needed to manage stress, cope with trauma, increase resilience and maintain mental well-being during recovery.

But as rains begin to fall, the needs are shifting and growing.

In camps like this one, the resilience of people is clear—but resilience alone is not enough. Recovery requires more than temporary shelter; it depends on access to health care, continuity of treatment, mental health support, and the ability to live with dignity. Through the support provided, WHO and its partners hope to protect health and dignity of the most vulnerable and regain the strength to recover. WHO continues working with all partners through an area-based approach so that health remains part of an essential package of services and solutions, along with safe housing and dignified sanitation.

To learn more about WHO’s support, please click here.

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🎥 Watch Two Months On: How Older People Are Coping in Myanmar's Earthquake Relief Camps