A year after the devastating earthquake, people in Myanmar are rebuilding their lives and livehoods thanks to your incredible support that reached more than half a million people.

These stories capture how DEC charities and their local partners are prioritising innovation and sustainability by working closely with local communities.

The images are captured by award-winning photographer Phyo Maung Maung and video stories by filmmaker Kaung Myat, commissioned by the DEC through Arete. The 'Myanmar earthquake - One year on' outdoor photo exhibition was on display in the courtyard at St Martin in the Fields, London, from 24 March to 19 April 2026.

THE TILTED HOUSE

Daw Mu Mu and her daughter were at home when the earthquake struck, left frightened as the walls collapsed around them. The house was left badly damaged and tilted to one side, but luckily, they made it out unharmed. After their daughter went to stay with grandparents, for over a month she and her husband were forced to sleep outside, constantly worried about rains, mosquitoes and even snakes.

Now, with DEC funded support, they’ve paid for repairs and made the house stronger than it’s ever been, providing even better protection from the rain and cold. The repairs have meant their daughter was able to move back in and they can rebuild their lives. 
 

THE FLOATING FARMER

On the day of the earthquake, Nann Mya and her fellow farmers were taking a tea break from their work on the floating farms. The shock of the earthquake was so powerful, she left her tools and belongings to run home, hoping that her children were safe and her home was still standing.  
 
She describes how everyone lost something in the aftermath of the earthquake. Farmers saw their crops collapsing into the water. After a third of her farm was lost, she was worried another tremor might strike and even more so for her future, because her livelihood was gone. 

Now, a DEC funded project is working to re-establish the floating farms, where community comes together to support each other. A group of volunteers helps on a rotation basis. If they come to Nann Mya's farm one day, she will go to theirs the next day, eventually rebuilding everyone's farm.

THE HOUSEWARMING

After the earthquake, many homes were destroyed, leaving families scared of intense tremors, forcing them to sleep outside in temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius. For the people native to the Lake, their homes represented identity, tradition, and survival. To help the community, women gathered to provide support in the village, all pitching in to help in the rebuilding process. Everyone participates actively and works together to help people from every affected household.

Above, the women transport and carry objects such as bamboo, metal, wood and all the necessary items required in building. Traditional to Myanmar, the women in the image wear 'thanaka' a cosmetic paste made from ground tree bark, offering a cooling sensation and sun protection.

THE BUILDERS

The buildings that line Inle Lake were devastated by the impact of the earthquake. Bamboo and timber homes collapsed, farms were devastated, and many of the ancient pagodas and monasteries that define the lake’s landscape were left badly damaged.

In the process of rebuilding, local teams working on the lake first consulted with village leaders, women’s groups and families to identify the most affected areas. They also consulted with the community on building practices, ensuring new builds reflected local styles. The results were building true to the traditions of the areas, but built in a safer way, with the inclusion of new features like private bathrooms and bio-septic toilets to protect the lake.

The weavers

In Ma Khin Khin’s village the earthquakes damaged houses and contaminated the water source. Affecting not only people’s homes but their livelihoods, forcing families to buy expensive bottled water, whilst struggling to put food on the table.

In the village, residents rely on their homes as places of work. It is one of the few weaving villages in Myanmar, where the 30-40 residents work in weaving houses, often operating out of family households. Life in the village is key to the preservation of the traditional practice, passed down through generations.

With DEC support, a water purifier was installed, providing clean water locally. Now even elderly residents can easily collect safe drinking water without extra cost.

The elephant

The earthquakes affected thousands of families and left many children traumatised from their experiences. In response to the needs of the families, DEC charities and their local partners helped set up seven child friendly spaces were established in collaboration with churches and local communities.

The programme ran for four weeks, one day per week, with activities like drawing, singing and sessions focused helping the children cope with their grief over losing friends and family, overcome their fears and have a place where they could play and learn and have a chance to forget and play.