One year after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025, humanitarian agencies report a continued focus on addressing the psychological impact on children affected by both natural disaster and pre-existing conflict-driven displacement.

The earthquake caused widespread disruption across multiple regions, including parts of Shan State, where communities around Inle Lake in Nyaungshwe Township experienced structural damage to homes and shelters. Many families who had already been displaced due to ongoing conflict were forced to endure additional instability following the tremors and subsequent aftershocks.

Tun Myar, a 16-year-old displaced from Loikaw, was living with relatives under a monastery structure at the time of the earthquake. She reported that the building began to sway during the tremors, prompting her to flee outside before losing consciousness. Following the incident, she described experiencing persistent fear and emotional distress, consistent with patterns observed among other children in the affected communities.

According to field accounts, many families avoided returning indoors in the immediate aftermath due to concerns about structural collapse during aftershocks. Temporary arrangements, including makeshift tarpaulin shelters, became common. Nighttime conditions were reported to be particularly difficult, as minor environmental sounds often triggered panic responses among children who associated them with renewed seismic activity.

Local observations indicate that the earthquake compounded pre-existing vulnerabilities among displaced populations. Tun Myar, who had previously experienced family separation and loss, reported that the disaster intensified existing psychological strain. She described withdrawing socially, experiencing sleep disruption, and showing signs of prolonged anxiety.

Similar behavioral patterns have been noted among other children in the area, particularly those with prior exposure to conflict and displacement.Caregivers in affected communities have attempted to support children through informal coping mechanisms, including communal gatherings and recreational activities.

However, humanitarian agencies report that many parents lack the resources or guidance to address sustained psychological distress, highlighting the need for structured intervention.In response, UNICEF and its local partners have implemented child protection programmes across southern Shan State, focusing on psychosocial support and the establishment of child-friendly spaces.

These interventions are designed to provide structured environments where children can engage in supervised activities, interact with peers, and gradually re-establish a sense of routine.At designated safe spaces in Nyaungshwe Township, children participate in organized activities such as drawing, games, and group exercises facilitated by trained staff and youth volunteers.

Field reports indicate that these sessions aim to reduce anxiety and promote social reintegration, particularly for children who have become withdrawn following the earthquake.Tun Myar reported that participation in these activities contributed to a measurable change in her behavior. She stated that she gradually regained confidence and now takes on a leadership role in group sessions, assisting facilitators and encouraging younger participants.

Her experience reflects a broader trend identified by programme coordinators, who note that peer engagement and structured interaction can support recovery in post-disaster contexts.Another case documented in the same community involves Pan Lay Pyay, aged 13, who resides with her mother in temporary shelter conditions beneath a monastery structure.

The earthquake further weakened their already fragile living environment, increasing economic and social pressures on the household. Her mother, Daw Hla Hla Aye, reported difficulties in securing daily-wage employment and meeting education-related expenses.Despite these constraints, she observed that participation in child-focused programmes had a positive effect on her daughter’s well-being. She indicated that visible improvements in her child’s mood and engagement provided reassurance regarding her ability to continue education under challenging circumstances.

According to programme data, the interventions extend beyond recreational activities to include case management services, parenting sessions, and awareness initiatives addressing child protection risks. Mental health and psychosocial support components are integrated into these services, reflecting a broader shift toward comprehensive recovery strategies in humanitarian response.

One year after the earthquake, aid agencies report that the combined effects of natural disasters and ongoing conflict continue to shape living conditions in affected areas. In southern Shan State, recovery efforts are further complicated by additional environmental events, including flooding, which have prolonged displacement for many families.Officials involved in the response indicate that child-friendly spaces remain a central component of ongoing support efforts.

These facilities are intended not only to address immediate psychological needs but also to contribute to longer-term resilience by fostering social cohesion and restoring a degree of normalcy in disrupted environments.Humanitarian partners attribute the continuation of these programmes to financial and logistical support from international donors, although specific funding levels were not detailed.

The emphasis on sustained engagement reflects recognition that recovery from trauma, particularly among children, requires extended intervention beyond the initial emergency phase.Field observations suggest that participation in structured activities has enabled some children to re-engage with peers and rebuild confidence following the earthquake.

Programme facilitators report that consistent attendance and active involvement are indicators of gradual improvement, although outcomes vary depending on individual circumstances and prior exposure to stress.Tun Myar’s transition from a withdrawn participant to a group leader illustrates the potential impact of targeted interventions when sustained over time.

She expressed an intention to complete her education and pursue a career in medicine, indicating a shift toward future-oriented thinking following her involvement in the programme.While immediate physical risks associated with the earthquake have subsided, humanitarian assessments emphasize that psychological recovery remains ongoing.

The persistence of displacement, combined with economic uncertainty and prior conflict exposure, continues to influence the pace and extent of recovery among affected populations.

Shoeb Siddiqi

The Humanitarian efforts of these NGOs and individuals during this testing time have been lauded by their City Police and Municipal Departments respectively.

The ongoing lockdown, in the wake of COVID—19 pandemic, has affected the lives of thousands of communities across India, such as migrant laborers, daily wage workers, rag pickers, underprivileged and senior citizens, etc.

While Indian Media is pre-occupied with campaigns against Muslims for the spread of COVID—19, it completely ignores the fact that several Muslim individuals and organizations are at the forefront of providing essentials to the needy during the lockdown.

From Kashmir to Karnataka, and Hyderabad to Lucknow, these individuals and organizations are coming up with initiatives to aid the helpless irrespective of the religion.

The Milli Chronicle has tried reaching out to some of them, following is the list of some of the NGOs, mosques, individuals and other institutions working towards this cause across India.

Mumbai

Jama Masjid Ahle Hadees of Sakina area offers food to around 800 laborers who have lost their source of livelihood. Apart from the cooked meal, the mosque is also providing ration to people in the nearby locality. Maulana Atif Sanabili said: “like COVID—19, hunger is also a serious disorder and affects everyone irrespective of religion. Our motto is ‘Koi Bhuka Na soye’”.

Nikhat Vaid of Idafah Investment is leading the operations to feed cooked meals, she has fed almost 97,000 meals, and her target is to reach out to 500,000 dwellers in the Mumbai slums. She is being helped by Salman Khan’s Being Human Foundation and 10 different NGOs.

Zeeshan Siddique, a Congress MLA, distributes groceries to around 5000 families of daily wage workers, waste pickers, etc., with 26 tonnes of ration per day, he is also sanitizing and disinfecting areas in Mumbai.

Bangalore

Zain Ataullah of iGET provides around 800 meals and 500 ration kits among the widows, physically handicapped, blind, hearing impaired and underprivileged,

Mohsin Kamal of iCARE Foundation provides relief package to orphans, widows, single mothers and women laborers. iCARE also raises funds for the treatment of poor families at hospitals.

Mercy Mission, a conglomerate of 17 NGOs has delivered around 9,000 food packets and 900 ration kits, the beneficiaries of their work are the migrant workers from states like Bihar, UP, Jharkhand, and Odhisa.

Hyderabad

Masjid E Tawheed, a Mosque located in Tolichowki area has provided 1500+ rations kits and feeds around 300 people daily.

Masjid Raheem O Sughra of Jamiat Ahle Hadees, AC guards chapter provides ration consisting of essentials to daily wage workers like electricians, plumbers, etc.

Mohammed Murtuza of Karwan-e-Khair NGO famously known as Power of 100, distributes food packets to needy patients at Government hospitals, and around 200 families in and around Hyderabad.

Akbaruddin Owaisi, the MLA of AIMIM party has distributed ration to over 20,000 families in the old city area of Hyderabad.

Mrs. Khaleda Parveen of Amoomat Society is providing cooked meals daily for 150-200 migrants without a kitchen and around 20-30 ration kits per day for bachelors and families.

Muhammed Amjad Ali, an individual working in Saudi Arabia has mobilized ration and delivered it to Handicap and auto drivers with the help of his friends in India in the old city area.

Mrs. Hajera Begum has waived off the rent of her 30 tenants that amounts to around Rs 600,000 setting an example for others.

Tamil Nadu

Jamiat Ahle Hadees in Tamilnadu and Pondicherry provides ration and meals to needy. 5000 ration kits have been distributed and 500 meals are served to date.

Hosur, a small town in Tamil Nadu has seen Jamiat Ahle Hadees-led social welfare trust, which distributes ration among 250 families per day.

Kashmir

Helping Hands for Humanity in Srinagar distributes ration to around 100 families per day, despite the lockdown and curfew in Kashmir since the abrogation of article 370.

Umar Bin Ahmed who leads Helping Hands for Humanity also runs a clothing brand has manufactured and donated PPE suits to hospitals in Kashmir, his target is to donate around 6000 PPE suits.

Uttar Pradesh

Rational Thinkers Society provides ration kits to around 250 families in Lucknow City.

Muwahhid Foundation in Barabanki City helps widows and daily wage workers with around 130 ration kits.

Taqdirul Insan Trust in Ghaziabad provides ration to needy and those without access to Govt. Schemes, so far they have managed to help 200 families not just with groceries but also with monetary help.

Delhi

Jamia Milia Islamia Students teamed up with other NGOs cover the parts of Delhi and villages in Bihar in distributing ration packages among the needy.

Bihar

Khula Aasman, an NGO in Bihar actively distributes food in different parts of the state like Chakia, Aarrah, Patna, and Madhubani, they have distributed ration packages to around 550 families of street dwellers, widows and those who are not beneficiaries of Govt Schemes.

While NGOs are always ahead in charity work, this time Muslim women, Muslim politicians and mosques are also leading the way in these activities, each of these organizations and individuals is unique in their cause, project, and initiatives.

The Humanitarian efforts of these NGOs and individuals during this testing time have been lauded by their City Police and Municipal Departments respectively.

Even the Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has come to rescue of such organizations by enabling them to procure wheat and rice at lower prices from Food Corporation of India, without the need to be registered with them.