Nearly one hundred people have died and thousands of residents from six villages in the Inle region of Nyaungshwe Township, Shan State, are in urgent need of drinking water, food supplies, and shelter following a powerful earthquake, according to local residents who spoke to Yangon Modern News. The devastating earthquake that struck on March 28 has severely impacted the people of the Inle region, destroying thousands of homes. The villages of Myaungwa Gyi, Aing Thaung Gyi, Shaywa Gyi, Kela, Zayat Gyi, and Nanpan have been particularly affected, with nearly complete destruction reported in these communities.
Currently, residents from these affected villages are living on boats with makeshift bedding, surviving primarily on rice porridge and depending entirely on donations from benefactors. Local sources confirm that while some private charitable organizations have provided assistance, there has been no aid from the military council. The villagers are also facing significant challenges in rebuilding their homes and are in desperate need of tarpaulins and bamboo poles for temporary shelter. According to the Inle Region Human Rights Group’s statement released on March 30, the earthquake has claimed 89 lives and destroyed 2,337 homes in the Inle region.
A local resident reported that while damage was widespread across all villages in the area, these six villages suffered the most severe impact with nearly total destruction. While some humanitarian groups have been able to provide assistance, there remains an urgent need for drinking water, food supplies, and shelter materials. The affected communities are currently waiting for additional aid from donors, with many families living in extremely precarious conditions. The situation remains critical, with basic necessities being in short supply and the affected populations requiring immediate humanitarian assistance for their survival and recovery.
