Myanmar: Strengthening Community Resilience and Economic Opportunities

On 28 March 2025, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar, followed by a strong aftershock. It hit communities already affected by armed conflict, displacement and prolonged humanitarian needs. During the following year, Karuna Mission Social Solidarity (KMSS) reached more than 399,000 people with emergency and early-recovery assistance. Nevertheless, recovery remains slow.Many families have lost their livelihoods, infrastructure remains damaged and economic hardship restricts access to essential services. Insecurity also limits humanitarian access. Floods and landslides in late 2025 further aggravated the situation, while geological changes caused by the earthquake disrupted water sources in several communities of internally displaced people.The project supports particularly vulnerable households affected by the earthquake and conflict through an integrated approach combining livelihood recovery, protection, disaster risk reduction and community resilience. It helps families rebuild their lives while strengthening local capacities to prepare for future crises.

More than 540 vulnerable households will receive livelihood training, business coaching and cash grants to restart income-generating activities. Self-help groups, revolving funds and stronger market linkages will help households build lasting economic resilience. Multi-purpose cash assistance will enable vulnerable families to meet immediate basic needs.Protection awareness, referral mechanisms and mental health and psychosocial support will strengthen the safety, dignity and inclusion of women, children, persons with disabilities and other at-risk groups. Communities will establish or strengthen Village Development Committees and Disaster Risk Reduction Committees, develop contingency plans and improve coordination with local disaster authorities.Essential infrastructure such as water systems, roads and community facilities will be rehabilitated through cash-for-work activities. The project is implemented with KMSS. Caritas Switzerland provides technical oversight, supports compliance with humanitarian standards and strengthens partner capacities in emergency preparedness, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene, and livelihoods.

Strengthening Community Resilience and Economic Opportunities

Overview

Project in detail

Why are people in need?

How is Caritas providing support?

What changes for the families concerned?

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