1st April, 2025

World Vision – the world’s largest humanitarian organisation focusing on children - has issued an urgent warning that children affected by the recent earthquake in Myanmar face ever increasing risks after being displaced from their homes and schools.

“As we have seen in previous emergencies, children in disaster-stricken areas are among the most vulnerable,” said Dr Kyi Minn, World Vision Myanmar’s National Director.  

“In Myanmar, these children were already exposed to numerous hardships. Now, many are homeless, and some have been separated from their families, putting them at even greater risk of danger and abuse.”

Since the devastating earthquake that hit Myanmar last Friday, 28th March – World Vision staff have been delivering an immediate rapid response to the local areas affected near Mandalay and have been hearing directly from children impacted.

“I was watching TV when suddenly the earthquake hit. My mother fell, and my little brother and I got so scared we started crying,” said 15 year old Wut Yu in Tada-U town near Mandalay. “I'm still frightened now, but I'm even more worried about my little brother. We need food and basic supplies right away.

World Vision has been working in the hardest-hit areas in the Mandalay region and has begun distributing essential aid, including food, clean water, and shelter materials. Additionally, the organisation is working to ensure access to healthcare, sanitation, and psychosocial support for affected children and their families.

“The humanitarian needs in Myanmar are immense,” continued Dr Kyi Minn. “Roads have been severely damaged, making it difficult for us to get aid to those who need it. Families are struggling to survive soaring temperatures without shelter, food, or medical care while enduring immense physical and emotional trauma.”

Protecting children is a top priority.

The compounding effects of climate change, conflict and economic crisis and this latest disaster has exacerbated the challenges faced by its most vulnerable populations. 

“Even before this earthquake, the situation for children in Myanmar was dire,” Dr Kyi Minn said.  “Now, widespread displacement and the destruction of essential services have compounded the suffering of families and put children at significant risk. During emergencies like this some children are forced to flee, separated from their families and increasingly exposed to exploitation and abuse along the way. They are in danger of potential injury and even death. Girls are particularly at risk as the threat of gender-based violence increases.”

“Children are always the most vulnerable during a humanitarian crisis. Conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies expose children to increased risk of violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect. As a child-focused organisation, the safety and protection of children is World Vision’s main priority and will be central in our response to this emergency."

“It is critical that children can return to a sense of normalcy as soon as possible. They need safe homes, access to education, and protection from the risks of child labour, early marriage, and other forms of exploitation. "

“We must act urgently to ensure these children are safe.” said Dr Kyi Minn.

For further information please contact: press@worldvision.ie  

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

For more information, please visit www.worldvision.ie or follow on X, formerly known as Twitter, @WorldVisionIre.