By Ai Igarashi | Member of Advocacy Team
Thank you all for your continued understanding and support of Terra Renaissance activities.
On the 10th of April, the second day of our survey on the Myanmar earthquake, our team, in collaboration with local partners, visited the western part of Mandalay City, the area most affected by the disaster.
A Landscape Transformed into Ruins
The scenes we encountered were truly heartbreaking compared to the areas we witnessed just the day before - profoundly distressing, a stark contrast. The sheer scale of collapsed homes was overwhelming; each pile of rubble spoke volumes about the earthquake's brutal force and its devastating impact.
Even cherished historical landmarks have not been spared. A 200-year-old temple, once a vibrant part of the community, has completely collapsed, tragically claiming eight lives.
In the collapsed hall, we saw offerings, representing a syncretism of Buddhist beliefs and local animistic practices. We heard that this ritual serves to honor the deceased and purify the affected area.
The Catastrophic Impact on Slum Areas
The western slum area of the city suffered particularly severe damage. The collapse of buildings due to the earthquake, followed by fires, has left the entire area in a catastrophic state.
The western slum areas of Mandalay have been utterly decimated. The combined impact of collapsed buildings from the earthquake and the subsequent fires has left the entire area utterly devastated.
These vulnerable communities, living in densely crowded, poorly constructed wooden and makeshift homes with virtually no fire safety measures, were left entirely defenseless. Almost every single resident has lost their shelter, forced to seek refuge on the bare streets.
Although international and local organisations have begun distributing essential supplies like food and water, sanitary conditions are extremely poor, and there is concern about an outbreak of communicable diseases.
The Heartbreaking Dilemma of Evacuation Centers
About 300 meters away from the devastated area, a UN-led “shelter” has been established. Although not yet fully completed, tents are being erected, and food aid from the WFP is already in place.
Yet, many residents are reluctant to move to this shelter, despite the dire conditions of the streets they live on. Their hesitation arises from profound anxieties about land loss and a stronger sense of trust in the support offered by familiar local community groups compared to unfamiliar international organizations.
The reality for those who have lost their homes and have nowhere else to turn is unimaginably harsh. Some are trapped by poverty, unable to relocate, while others are clinging to the remnants of their familiar lives with deep emotional ties to their land.
It was heartbreaking to see that reality, but it also made us realise that what is truly needed is support that acknowledges and respects their choices, not something forced upon them, but support that comes from empathy and understanding.
The Looming Threat
The approaching rainy season, with its increased threat of cyclones, poses an additional menace to Myanmar, a country already grappling with a severe crisis. The potential impact of a cyclone on this vulnerable region is a grave cause for concern.
We Urgently Need Your Support
Terra Renaissance is committed to working on its research and support activities to meet the local needs and deliver necessary assistance.
Your compassionate support during this critical time is deeply appreciated and will make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.
Future Activities
We will keep you updated on our future activities. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and support.
Terra Renaissance
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