Disaster Risk Management

The Asia and Pacific region is considered as most disaster-prone region in the world. Over the past decades, the region has witnessed several of the most devastating disasters recorded in history. With these events, the people, community and environment absorb the impact of losing lives, livelihood and property. As more people and communities are becoming vulnerable to disasters, the challenges and opportunities to coordinate and mobilize risk management remain relevant to achieve greater impact on the efforts of rebuilding lives and communities.

 

As a community-based, Christian and ecumenical movement, it is recognized that each YMCA is called to build a human community of justice with love, peace and reconciliation for the fullness of life for all creation. The difficulties, struggles and crises in communities affected by disasters and human crises present an opportunity for the movement to actualize its mission of holistic development that strives for spiritual, intellectual and physical well-being of individuals and wholeness of communities and of re-building self-determination and re-establishing self-reliance.

 

The humanitarian work/engagement by YMCA in a sense affirms the movement’s mandate to commit to work in solidarity with the poor, dispossessed, uprooted people, oppressed racial and ethnic minorities, the aged, the youth, the women and peoples with special needs. Moreover this nature of work provides an opportunity for the movement to explore our social relevance particularly in addressing poverty stricken communities, safety of women and children and their specific needs, youth empowerment, social economy and care for environment. Finally, this engagement is a chance to strengthen our commitment to become institutionally viable by giving importance to good governance structures with in-built accountability systems that are transparent to all stakeholders involved.

 

The region shall remain firm in its goal of delivering efficient, effective and appropriate disaster responses that adheres to the humanitarian principles of saving lives, alleviating suffering and maintaining human dignity.

YMCA Myanmar Responds to the Earthquake Emergency with Global Solidarity and Support

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Last Updated (Wednesday, 30 April 2025 22:09)

Myanmar YMCA Steps Up Earthquake Emergency Response with Global Solidarity and Support

In the wake of the recent earthquake that shook parts of Myanmar, Myanmar YMCA has launched a nationwide Earthquake Emergency Response, collaborating closely with local YMCAs and community organizations to deliver urgent aid and mental health support to affected areas.

Coordinated Relief Across Regions

Myanmar YMCA is working hand-in-hand with local YMCAs in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, spearheading relief operations. Mandalay YMCA is actively distributing emergency food items including ready-made food packets, purified drinking water, and instant noodles. Additionally, non-food essentials such as emergency bags, tents, ground sheets, and cash support are being provided to injured patients receiving treatment at hospitals.

In Nay Pyi Taw, efforts are focused on supplying clean water and supporting house renovations in earthquake-hit villages. Meanwhile, collaboration with Myanmar Scouts is extending the reach of emergency responses to villages in the Inle Lake region, where food supplies, hygiene kits, and clean water are urgently needed.

Global Solidarity and Support

Myanmar YMCA has expressed heartfelt appreciation to World YMCA and the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) for their swift fundraising and support initiatives. Gratitude is also extended to World Concern Myanmar, Taichung YMCA, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Y’s Men’s Club, Bread for the World, Norwegian Church Aid, the Hong Kong Church, and private donors who have come forward with contributions for the Myanmar earthquake victims.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) on the Ground

In addition to physical aid, Myanmar YMCA has launched a comprehensive Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) program to assist survivors in coping with trauma.

  1. Rapid Needs Assessment: Led by head office counsellors, field counsellors from Mandalay and Yangon, and trained community counsellors, initial mental health needs were rapidly assessed.
  2. Viber Support Network: A dedicated Viber group has been formed to promote coping strategies and assign focal persons for continued emotional support.
  3. Psychological First Aid (PFA): Counsellors are providing PFA both in-person and via telephone, based on urgency and accessibility.
  4. Community Safe Spaces: Designated safe spaces are being created within homes and communities, with mobile communication support provided to clients in need.
  5. Public Messaging : Focal persons are coordinating timely and accurate information for affected communities.
  6. Provide structured group: Organized for grief management, PTSD, and caregiver support
  7. Mental Health Screening: Basic screenings are being conducted in alignment with group support findings.
  8. Non-Specialized Counselling: Trained staff are offering psychosocial support and counselling services.
  9. Long-Term Mental Health Recovery: The program includes plans to integrate mental health into primary care, build capacity, and provide specialized trauma therapies.
  10. Community Awareness Campaigns: Awareness efforts will be rolled out to reduce stigma and promote mental health literacy across affected communities.

This integrated emergency response and mental health initiative marks a vital step in Myanmar YMCA's commitment to both immediate disaster relief and sustainable community recovery. Their work stands as a testament to the power of local leadership and international solidarity in times of crisis.

Saw Tun Lu, News and Information Sub Committee, Myanmar YMCA Earthquake Response Committee

   

APPEAL FOR HUMANITARIAN RELIEF INITIATIVES

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Last Updated (Wednesday, 02 April 2025 07:21)

To:

The National General Secretaries

cc:

APAY Board Members, Executive Committee Members, President and SG of World Alliance of YMCAs, WAY Global Staff Team


Dear Friends and Colleagues:

We have all read and seen shocking news and video footage of the recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake that rocked parts of Myanmar and Thailand. The earthquake caused widespread devastation. The epicenter was located near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, and the tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand. The quake was followed by a strong 6.4- magnitude aftershock.

In Myanmar, over 1,600 people have been reported dead, with thousands more injured. Buildings, bridges, and roads have been destroyed, leaving many areas inaccessible. In Mandalay, a significant number of people remain trapped under collapsed structures, and rescue efforts are ongoing.

In Bangkok, a 30-story building under construction collapsed, trapping dozens of workers. The city has been declared a disaster area, and emergency services are working tirelessly to rescue those still missing.

The earthquake has left a trail of destruction, displacing countless families and causing immense suffering. Relief efforts are underway, but the scale of the disaster poses significant challenges.

We are relieved to hear from Ms. Chularat Phongtudsirikul, NGS of Thailand, that members and friends of Bangkok and Chiangmai YMCAs are safe. Initial inspections revealed cracks in some YMCA-branch buildings but further inspections will be made in coming days.

From Myanmar, NGS Mr. Maung Maung Win reported that the NCY office in Yangon was fine but in cities closer to the epicenter of the earthquake, Mandalay YMCA and Nay Pyi Taw YMCA reported slight damages to their Nursery School buildings. Mr. Nay Win, the General Secretary of Mandalay YMCA confirmed that all Mandalay YMCA family members are safe and will be conducting further inspections of the YMCA building.

Myanmar YMCA, in collaboration with the Myanmar Scout Association, will be launching a humanitarian relief initiative to provide essential aid to those affected.

We are appealing for your swift and compassionate action to mobilize your networks and resources to support the Myanmar YMCA’s humanitarian relief initiative. Our movement has always stood strong in the face of adversity, guided by our shared mission of service and justice. Now, more than ever, Myanmar needs our solidarity and assistance.

We are, therefore, appealing again for your generosity and prayers for our suffering brothers and sisters. Please reach out to them through your generous financial support. Your contributions, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in the lives of the victims. Let us come together to show the strength and unity of the YMCA in times of need and offer hope to those affected by this earthquake.

Donations can be made through APAY. APAY will deliver your donations safely and swiftly to Myanmar YMCA. APAY will also play the role in close collaboration with Myanmar YMCA to make sure your contributions transparent, meaningful and accountable to the victims and donors as well.

APAY Bank details in South Korea:

Bank Name: Kookmin Bank Account holder: Asia Pacific YMCA Account number: 873868-11-015529 Swift Code: CZNBKRSE

Bank Address: 50, Yeonbuk-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea (Zip: 63085) (Tel: +82-2-2073-7114).

 

Please contact Maung Maung Win – NGS of Myanmar YMCA

(Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

or APAY ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) if you need more information or have any queries.

Thank you in advance for your kind and prompt support.

Sincerely,

Nam Boo Won

General Secretary


2754, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it · URL: http://www.asiapacificymca.org

Fax : (82) 0508-952-0244 Tel : (82) 064-747-1721

Comprising YMCA Movements in: Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea,

Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore,

Sri Lanka, Tahiti, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam

   

Appeal to support the landslide victims in Wayanad district of Kerala, in southern India.

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Dear Friends and Colleagues:

We are writing to inform you of the devastating landslide in the Chooralmala and Mundakkal areas in the Wayanad district of Kerala, in southern India, on July 30, 2024, which has resulted in over 300 deaths, 191 missing persons, and widespread destruction. The affected area is not far from the Vythiri Tribal Development Centre of Indian YMCA. All leaders and related staff of the YMCA are deeply involved in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

In the wake of this catastrophe, the Indian YMCA has committed to expressing solidarity with the victims of this disaster. The Indian YMCA has decided to construct minimum 25 Houses for the affected families, ensure the education of children who have lost their parents, and develop community centres in the affected areas. However, the needs of the affected people far more than their expectations. With additional funding, they can expand their Rehabilitation Project to make a more significant impact. The Indian YMCA is appealing to the global YMCA community to execute these projects efficiently and bring hope to those who have lost everything.

We are, therefore, appealing again for your generosity and prayers for our suffering brothers and sisters. Please reach out to them through your generous financial support. Your contributions, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in the lives of the victims. Let us come together to show the strength and unity of the YMCA in times of need and offer hope to those affected by this tragedy.

Donations can be made to directly to NCY-India with CC to APAY informing the amount of contributions.

Attached is the latest report on the Wayanad landslide by Eldo George, NGS of YMCA India. You may contact him directly This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you need more information or have any queries.

Thank you in advance for your kind and prompt support.


Very truly yours,

Nam Boo Won

General Secretary



   

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