Earthquake response · January 2026

Strengthening Earthquake-Affected Communities Through Climate-Resilient Shelters

Ma Htet's home collapsed in the earthquake. A mid-term shelter gives her two children somewhere safe while the family rebuilds.

"Since the earthquake, I have not been able to rebuild a proper home yet. We are currently living on bamboo slats covered by a tarpaulin. I have two children, aged ten and four. Every day I leave for work, I am constantly anxious that they might fall and hurt themselves.”

These words from Ma Htet reflect the struggles faced by many families in Myanmar following the March 2025 earthquake. For Ma Htet, a mother of two, whose home collapsed entirely, rebuilding remains impossible due to financial hardships. Her family currently lives in an unsafe space, far from comfort, leaving her children vulnerable every day. The lack of a stable home does more than create physical danger; it creates a constant emotional burden, as she worries for their safety while trying to earn a living. A secure space for the children is all she longs for.

Due to the earthquake, many homes were damaged beyond repair, and some even lost their land due to subsequent landslides. Under Doh Eain, Build Better Eain initiative is expanding its recovery effort by building mid-term shelters and community hubs in Amarapura, Sagaing and Mahaaungmyay with the kind support from the European Union in Myanmar. For families like hers, access to mid-term shelter is a critical step towards stability and security. As she continued to share: “Having this mid-term shelter means my children can live in safety and security, which brings me great peace of mind. I am incredibly grateful that you have come to build this for us."

These shelters offer families a temporarily secure place to stay, easing immediate housing pressures and giving them the time to gather necessary resources needed to rebuild their permanent homes. Additionally, community hubs are also being built for nearby residents to gather and take part in activities, fostering a shared sense of community and collective growth.

Following the early stages of the earthquake response focused on reach and relief, Doh Eain is now committed to supporting the community-led and sustainable recovery for affected communities. By sharing best practices in disaster-resilient and climate-adaptive construction through Build Better Eain, these mid-term shelters lay the foundation for stronger, safer communities in the future. Stay up to date with Build Better Eain on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn to hear stories from communities on the ground as they recover and rebuild, and to explore insights on climate-resilient building.