Myanmar Earthquake 2024: Burmese Diaspora in Taiwan Rallies for Relief Efforts

Burmese diaspora in Taiwan anxiously awaits updates after the Myanmar earthquake in Mandalay. Learn how the community is organizing relief efforts.

Burmese Diaspora in Taiwan Grapples with Anxiety Following Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar

Taiwan’s vibrant Burmese community, often referred to as "Little Myanmar," spent a restless night following a powerful Myanmar earthquake that struck Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. As reports of destruction poured in, many members of the diaspora scrambled to contact their loved ones, facing immense difficulty due to unstable internet connectivity in Myanmar and power outages in Mandalay.

A Night of Anxiety and Uncertainty

For thousands of Sino-Burmese individuals in Taiwan, the hours following the earthquake were filled with anxiety and fear. The devastating earthquake in Myanmar today left many worried about the well-being of their families back home. Given Myanmar’s already fragile internet infrastructure—further weakened by restrictions imposed after the 2021 Myanmar military coup—communication with loved ones proved to be an uphill battle.

Khin Mg Oo, a longtime resident of Taiwan, described the emotional turmoil he endured while trying to reach his niece in Mandalay earthquake-affected areas. “It was an agonizing wait,” he shared. “For hours, we had no idea whether they were safe or if they needed help.” It wasn’t until late Friday night that he finally received confirmation of their safety. “It was a relief,” he added. His niece recounted how their two-story home in Mandalay swayed violently during the quake, prompting the family to rush outside to safety.

Unfortunately, due to poor internet access in Myanmar, she could only send a short video showing the Mandalay earthquake damage before the connection was lost once again.

Community Solidarity Amid Crisis

Despite the widespread concern, most members of Taiwan’s Burmese community reported that their families remained unharmed. Many within the Burmese diaspora in Taiwan trace their roots to Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, which is located further from the earthquake epicenter in Myanmar. However, this did not lessen the sense of helplessness that permeated the community.

Hnin Hnin, a Burmese milk tea shop owner in New Taipei City, described the restless night she and many others endured. “Most of us couldn’t sleep,” she said. “We were glued to our phones, desperately trying to get updates and checking in with each other.”

Although the majority of families emerged unscathed, the tragedy did claim lives. Hnin Hnin revealed that a Burmese student in Taiwan lost her mother in Mandalay. The news sent waves of grief through the community, reinforcing the heartbreaking reality that some were not as fortunate.

A Historical Perspective: Taiwan’s Burmese Community

Taiwan is home to approximately 50,000 Sino-Burmese individuals, many of whom can trace their lineage back to the Chinese Civil War of 1949. Following the war, defeated Republic of China soldiers in Myanmar sought refuge in Burma (now Myanmar) before eventually migrating to Taiwan. Over the decades, they established a close-knit Burmese community in Taiwan, preserving their cultural heritage while integrating into Taiwanese society.

The majority of this diaspora is concentrated in New Taipei City, Taiwan, just outside of Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. Here, Burmese restaurants, Myanmar tea shops, and cultural centers in Taiwan serve as hubs of connection, keeping traditions alive for the newer generations. Given this strong sense of community, the Myanmar earthquake 2024 deeply affected the Taiwanese-Burmese population, amplifying their collective concern and desire to help.

Mobilizing for Earthquake Relief Efforts

In response to the disaster, the Burmese repatriate association in Taiwan swiftly organized a Myanmar earthquake relief fund to support victims. As soon as news of the Mandalay earthquake destruction broke, local community leaders began coordinating Myanmar earthquake fundraising efforts, urging fellow Burmese in Taiwan to contribute what they could.

“We may be far from home, but our hearts remain in Myanmar,” one organizer stated. “This is our way of standing in solidarity with those affected.” The Myanmar disaster relief campaign aims to provide essential aid, including food donations for Myanmar earthquake victims, emergency shelter, and medical assistance for earthquake survivors.

The Challenges of Providing Humanitarian Aid in Myanmar

While efforts are underway to collect funds and resources, getting aid to those in need presents a significant challenge. Myanmar has been grappling with political instability since the 2021 military coup, and international Myanmar relief efforts have been severely restricted. Reports of damaged infrastructure in Mandalay and disrupted supply chains further complicate relief distribution.

Nonetheless, Myanmar diaspora communities worldwide, including those in Taiwan, remain determined to make a difference. Some have reached out to NGOs assisting Myanmar earthquake victims, while others are using their Myanmar earthquake donation networks to ensure that aid reaches the hardest-hit areas.

A Test of Resilience and Unity

As the Burmese diaspora in Taiwan navigates the aftermath of the Myanmar earthquake disaster, the incident has reinforced their collective strength and resilience. Despite being thousands of miles away from their homeland, the emotional bonds remain unbreakable. Through fundraising for Myanmar earthquake victims and emotional support, they are doing everything in their power to help those affected.

While Myanmar continues to struggle with the long-term consequences of both natural and political disasters, its people—both at home and abroad—demonstrate an unwavering spirit of endurance. In times of crisis, their Myanmar earthquake relief efforts shine brightest, offering hope for recovery and a reminder that no matter the distance, Myanmar earthquake survivors are not alone.