- When major earthquakes hit communities may bear the brunt, but they also lead recovery efforts.
- Experience gained from past crises - in places such as Türkiye, Syria, Afghanistan and Haiti - can help Myanmar navigate its own recovery.
- As Myanmar mobilizes its response, here are five key lessons to guide the way forward.
When the 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025, it shattered lives and left entire communities in ruins. Myanmar now faces an enormous challenge: rebuilding in the face of immense loss, and in a complex political context. But history offers guidance.
Just before the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, I was working closely with local teams on disaster preparedness. I never imagined how soon those lessons would be put to the test. When the earthquake struck, those same teams sprang into action - saving lives, coordinating aid and helping communities begin the long road to recovery.
That experience reinforced a key truth I've seen time and again: preparedness and community-led responses are essential.
Be it the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, Syria and Afghanistan, or Haiti in 2010, all underscore a common point - communities may bear the brunt, but they also lead recovery efforts.
The experience gained from past crises can help Myanmar navigate its own recovery, especially in ensuring all affected areas get the support they need. As the country mobilizes its response, here are some key lessons to guide the way forward.
1. Humanitarian response and early recovery must go hand in hand
When I visited communities affected by Cyclone Yagi in Shan State last October, I was struck by their strength and determination. Despite the devastation, people spoke not only of what they had lost, but also of their will to rebuild - to get back on their feet and reclaim their lives collectively. Two decades ago, a gentleman I met in an IDP camp in Pakistan after an earthquake told me the same thing, and it has stayed with me since then. And it's been echoed by many I've met since. The desire for autonomy is universal.
When crisis hits, humanitarian support is essential. But without early recovery, families remain stuck in survival mode. Restoring energy access, reviving local markets, and reconnecting people to essential services like healthcare must begin immediately, to enable them to restart their lives.
In responding to this earthquake, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility: to meet immediate needs while laying the foundations for lasting resilience. We can do this by ensuring that humanitarian and recovery efforts are integrated.
2. Clearing debris is a critical first step
The sheer volume of debris after an earthquake can be staggering. In Myanmar, UNDP analysis estimates indicate that there is at least 2.5 million tonnes of debris - equivalent to about 125,000 truckloads. It blocks roads, delays relief efforts and poses serious health risks. Managing it effectively is one of the first and most critical steps towards recovery. UNDP works closely with governments, technical agencies and communities in this important process.
In Türkiye, rubble recycling facilities cleared massive amounts of debris while repurposing materials for reconstruction. Over a million cubic metres of debris were removed in Haiti through community-led efforts.
Myanmar can adopt such strategies to ensure debris is safely managed, enabling reconstruction efforts to progress swiftly.
3. Rebuilding together by engaging communities
Recovery means more than rebuilding what was damaged - it is about restoring lives. And that begins by putting affected communities at the centre of the recovery process.
In Nepal, an owner-driven model empowered homeowners to lead the construction of earthquake-resistant homes. UNDP also helped restart over 11,800 earthquake-affected businesses and created thousands of temporary jobs in debris removal and infrastructure repair.
Similarly, in Afghanistan, cash-for-work programmes helped over 244,000 people earn incomes while restoring vital community services. Local communities helped rebuild homes using compressed earthen blocks, preserving heritage while enhancing safety. In north-west Syria, over 900 people participated in community-led debris clearance, ensuring a more inclusive recovery. These examples demonstrate the power of community involvement.
For Myanmar, prioritizing local knowledge and leadership in decision-making is crucial, ensuring a recovery that is both effective and empowering, building stronger, more resilient communities.
4. Reducing future risks by building for resilience
Rebuilding processes after an earthquake must ensure that they are prepared for any future calamities.
Efforts led by UNDP in Nepal, Haiti and Afghanistan have shown the importance of resilient infrastructure. In Nepal, 31,000 homes were rebuilt to seismic standards, while Haiti repurposed debris to strengthen neighborhoods, and Afghanistan transitioned to durable, earthquake-resistant homes.
Across South Asia, UNDP's Earthquake Risk Reduction Programme focuses on enforcing building codes, promoting safe construction and fostering regional cooperation. Investing in resilient infrastructure, whether by retrofitting old structures or ensuring critical facilities like schools and hospitals meet high safety standards, goes a long way in mitigating risks.
For Myanmar, lessons from such efforts are essential. By combining locally sourced materials and traditional architectural methods with modern scientific techniques, communities can rebuild in a way that protects effectively against disasters.
5. Leveraging technology and innovation
Digital tools are transforming disaster preparedness and response. UNDP's innovative new RAPIDA assessments are providing valuable data-driven insights within 48-72 hours of a crisis, using high-resolution imagery and GIS technology to analyse damage. In Colombia, Libya, Afghanistan - and already in Myanmar - these assessments have informed recovery planning by analysing crisis impacts and identifying priorities.
For preparedness, technology also plays a key role by offering real-time data and tools to assess risks. Platforms like Indonesia's InaRISK integrate satellite imagery and local data, enabling communities and schools to evaluate their readiness and identify gaps. This continuous improvement process, which includes drills and self-assessments, ensures that communities are better prepared against disasters.
For Myanmar, adopting such digital solutions can make recovery more transparent, efficient, and effective.
A way forward for Myanmar
The road ahead will be long and difficult, but lessons learned from similar situations in other regions offer a blueprint for recovery.
By prioritizing efficient debris management, restoring livelihoods, building resilient infrastructure, engaging communities, and leveraging technology, Myanmar can emerge stronger and better prepared for crises.
While the obstacles ahead are immense, the resilience and determination of the people stand as a beacon of hope. With the right approach, Myanmar's recovery can pave the way for a sustainable, disaster-resilient future where communities are better prepared to face uncertainties and thrive despite adversity.