In Taiwan's Little Myanmar, fear for quake affected relatives

In Taiwan’s Little Myanmar, Fear for Quake-Affected Relatives

March 29, 2025

Taipei, Taiwan – In Taiwan’s vibrant community known as “Little Myanmar,” where thousands of Myanmar nationals have made their homes, anxiety and fear are palpable. News of the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar earlier this week has left many in this close-knit diaspora community grappling with uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones back home.

Known for its bustling streets lined with Myanmar shops, restaurants, and cultural hubs, Taipei’s “Little Myanmar” is home to many Myanmar migrant workers, refugees, and students who have built new lives in Taiwan. The earthquake, measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale, struck Myanmar’s central region, causing widespread damage, including collapsed buildings, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage. As the death toll continues to climb, and search and rescue operations remain underway, the emotional toll on the Myanmar community in Taiwan is mounting.

A Tight-Knit Community Struggles with Uncertainty

For many in Taiwan’s Little Myanmar, the news of the earthquake has left them in a state of limbo, uncertain about the safety of their families and friends back home. The earthquake’s epicenter was near the city of Mandalay, a region where many members of the diaspora originally come from. The lack of communication in the immediate aftermath only heightened the sense of fear and helplessness, as roads and communication lines were severed in the hardest-hit areas.

Kyaw Win, a 32-year-old migrant worker in Taiwan, spoke about the anxious hours following the earthquake. “I haven’t been able to reach my parents or my younger brother. I don’t know if they are safe. My phone has been ringing, but I can’t get through to anyone back home,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. “This earthquake has shaken me, both in mind and heart. I feel so far away from them, and it’s hard to not know what’s happening.”

Kyaw Win’s experience is shared by many others in the community. With limited access to reliable news from Myanmar, fear has gripped families who rely on word-of-mouth and sporadic phone calls to learn about the status of their relatives. While some have been fortunate enough to connect with loved ones, many are still waiting for updates, their anxiety growing by the hour.

Community Efforts to Support Each Other

In response to the crisis, Taiwan’s Little Myanmar community has come together to offer support to one another. Local temples, community centers, and Myanmar-owned businesses have become gathering points for people seeking information or offering assistance. Social media groups and messaging platforms like WhatsApp have also played a crucial role in helping people communicate across borders and share information about the situation in Myanmar.

One group of Myanmar nationals in Taiwan has organized a donation drive to send aid to earthquake-affected regions. While their efforts are still in the early stages, they are determined to do whatever they can to help those back home. The drive aims to raise funds for medical supplies, food, and water, which are urgently needed in the aftermath of the disaster.

Hlaing Min, a community leader, expressed the urgency of the situation. “We are doing everything we can to help, not just emotionally, but materially,” she said. “Myanmar is going through a difficult time, and the people here in Taiwan are feeling it deeply. We are organizing fundraisers and trying to gather resources to send home to our families and communities.”

Challenges of Communication and Relief Efforts

Despite the best efforts of community members, the challenges of communication and logistical coordination remain. The remote locations of some earthquake-affected areas, coupled with damaged infrastructure, have made it difficult for aid to reach those in need. Many residents of Little Myanmar in Taiwan are also struggling with language barriers, as they try to navigate the complexities of coordinating relief through Taiwanese organizations and international agencies.

To make matters worse, Myanmar has been grappling with political instability, and the ongoing military conflict in certain regions has complicated relief efforts even further. The government’s limited capacity to respond to the disaster has meant that much of the relief effort is being carried out by local and international NGOs, which often struggle to gain access to the most affected areas.

Ei Mon, a student in Taiwan who has been anxiously awaiting news from her relatives in Myanmar, shares the same frustration. “I have been trying to reach my aunt who lives near Mandalay. The roads are blocked, and communication is almost impossible. I feel so helpless,” she said. “I just want to know if she’s okay, and if she needs help.”

The Role of Taiwan’s Government and International Support

Taiwan has expressed its sympathy for the victims of the earthquake, and the Taiwanese government has begun to coordinate with international partners to offer relief. Although Taiwan is not officially recognized by Myanmar’s military government, humanitarian aid has still found its way into the affected areas, often channeled through non-governmental organizations and international bodies.

Taiwanese officials have confirmed that emergency relief teams are on standby to assist in search and rescue operations, and efforts are underway to send medical supplies, food, and clean water to Myanmar. Taiwan’s Red Cross has also announced plans to collect donations to aid in the disaster relief efforts.

The international community has also responded with solidarity. Organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization have been working with Myanmar’s neighbors and local organizations to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most.

A Long Road to Recovery

As the situation continues to develop, it is clear that the road to recovery will be long and difficult. For the Myanmar diaspora in Taiwan, the emotional toll of waiting for news and the frustration of being far from home during such a traumatic event is a heavy burden to bear. However, the strength of the community in Taiwan, and their commitment to helping their fellow countrymen, remains unwavering.

For now, the residents of Little Myanmar in Taiwan are bound by a shared sense of fear and hope, waiting for any sign that their loved ones are safe and that aid is reaching the people who need it most.

In these difficult times, the outpouring of solidarity and support from both local and international communities provides a glimmer of hope amid the devastation. As the days pass and more news trickles in, the people of Taiwan’s Little Myanmar hold on to the hope that their relatives and communities back home will survive and rebuild from the ruins of this terrible disaster.