Myanmar’s children face a second crisis: Three months on from quake World Vision warns recovery at risk as response funding and attention drops off

Yangon, Myanmar, 26.06.2025: As Myanmar marks three months since the devastating 28 March earthquake, World Vision warns that the humanitarian crisis is deepening, with children bearing the brunt of compounding disasters. Despite rapid mobilisation, the scale of need continues to outpace resources, and the monsoon season now threatens to undo fragile gains.

“Children are still sleeping under tarpaulins, drinking unsafe water, and missing school. The future for children and their families remains far from uncertain,” said Dr Kyi Minn, National Director of World Vision Myanmar. “We’ve reached over one third of a million survivors, but this is just the beginning. Without ongoing support, through the coming months families are at risk of falling into a long-term cycle of vulnerability.”

With governments cutting humanitarian funding around the world, Myanmar is now bearing the brunt of those cuts. So far, of the USD$275 million requested for the international earthquake response, just $100 million has been disbursed (36%). On top of this, only 12% ($137 million) of the $1.1 billion needed to meet Myanmar's countrywide humanitarian needs in 2025 have so far been provided.

Heavy rains and strong monsoonal winds are now severely impacting survivors, many of whom remain in precarious, makeshift shelters that offer little protection against the elements. Thousands of displaced families are living under tarpaulins and flimsy structures which are no match for the torrential rains.  The quake damaged or destroyed nearly 52,000 homes, 2,604 schools, 789 hospitals, and thousands of religious and public buildings.

With many schools damaged and school term resuming in June, temporary shelters that were used by displaced families are now being repurposed into learning spaces. However, they are made of tarpaulins, are overcrowded, unsafe and unhealthy. World Vision is partnering with communities and school committees to provide safer learning environments and support the reconstruction of damaged schools. 

The monsoon also poses other significant health risks. Contaminated water sources due to damaged infrastructure, coupled with overcrowded living conditions in temporary sites, are increasing the threat of waterborne diseases like cholera and acute watery diarrhoea. Furthermore, stagnant water is a breeding ground for disease vectors, raising concerns about malaria and dengue fever. The already strained healthcare system, further crippled by the earthquake, is ill-equipped to handle a surge in these monsoon-related illnesses.

Beyond the immediate dangers, the monsoon season risks hampering humanitarian aid efforts. Heavy rainfall and potential flooding render roads impassable, making it difficult to deliver essential supplies.

Despite the challenges World Vision is continuing to respond, working with WFP to deliver food assistance, providing clean drinking water and hygiene kits to mitigate disease risks; and delivering psychosocial support through mobile teams and community hubs. Thousands of children have also been provided with education and protection services. While recovery loans have been disbursed to nearly 3,000 people via World Vision's financial institution, VisionFund.

World Vision aims to reach 500,000 people with a $21 million response.

Dr Kyi Minn added, “As we have proved, the funding we have been given is making a huge and real difference to hundreds of thousands of survivors. Now we need to go further. This is not just about helping children survive but about helping families break free from the cycle of poverty that a disaster can create. In a world of aid cuts, conflict and ongoing crises, I hope and pray that Myanmar's children are not forgotten. We need governments, donors, and partners to act now. The children of Myanmar cannot wait.”

Contacts:

• Kyi Minn, National Director – WV Myanmar | kyi_minn@wvi.org
• Edward Zan, Response Director - WV Myanmar | Edward_Zan@wvi.org 

To book an interview please contact:

• Naw Phoebe, Advocacy & Communications Director – WV Myanmar | naw_phoebe@wvi.org | +95 9 509 2530

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.  For more information, please visit www.wvi.org or follow us on Twitter @WorldVision

World Vision Myanmar situation report