Six Months After the Earthquake in Myanmar, Helvetas Is Engaged in Reconstruction Projects
26.09.2025 | from Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation
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26.09.2025, Following the earthquake in Myanmar on 28 March 2025 that devastated multiple regions, 450,000 people continue to require aid. The Swiss organisation for development cooperation and humanitarian aid, Helvetas, continues its support with the construction of safe shelters and employment programmes and vocational training.
Many families in Myanmar are still struggling to rebuild their livelihoods. Over 120,000 houses were destroyed or severely damaged, leaving nearly 300,000 people homeless. Numerous individuals continue to live in emergency shelters or temporary accommodations with limited access to drinking water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake claimed over 5,400 lives on 28 March. Disadvantaged groups such as women, children, the elderly, and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected.
From Short-term to Long-term Assistance
'Helvetas provided immediate survival aid following the disaster. Now we assist the population in rebuilding shelters, restoring their livelihoods, and disaster preparedness to better cope with future risks,' explains Prabin Manandhar, head of the Helvetas office in Myanmar.
In collaboration with local partners, Helvetas supplied over 36,000 people with cash assistance during the first three months to meet their urgent needs.
Helvetas now supports affected individuals with seeds on the one hand; on the other, it engages in the reconstruction and repair of damaged houses: we offer cash for work as well as vocational training. To prevent future disasters, local masons and carpenters are trained in earthquake- resistant construction techniques. This enhances their skills and income opportunities, and the people in the affected regions benefit from safer housing. A focus is placed on supporting families with single mothers.
Press Contact:
Matthias Herfeldt
Head of Communication and Media Spokesperson
044 368 65 48
076 338 59 38
matthias.herfeldt@helvetas.org
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Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation
Helvetas is committed to a fair world in which all people can live self-determined lives with dignity and security, sustainably using natural resources and caring for the environment. The independent Swiss organisation for development cooperation – with autonomous associations in Germany and the USA – provides help for self-help in around 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, enabling real change.
Together with partner organisations, Helvetas addresses global challenges at various levels: firstly with concrete projects on the ground, secondly by sharing expertise. And thirdly, Helvetas promotes favourable political conditions for the poorest and most disadvantaged. Helvetas applies a multi-stakeholder approach by involving civil society, the state, and the private sector in its engagements.
Helvetas operates in the areas of water, food and climate, education, economic development and employment, as well as participation, social cohesion, and women's empowerment. Following disasters, Helvetas also provides humanitarian aid. The focus of Helvetas's work is in rural areas. However, Helvetas is increasingly active in urban contexts and focuses more on promoting youth.
In Switzerland, Helvetas fosters solidarity awareness and participates in the development policy dialogue.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, Press release
Original article published on: Sechs Monate nach dem Erdbeben in Myanmar engagiert sich Helvetas in Wiederaufbauprojekten