“Rain Leaks Through the Roof, and Aid Is Drying Up: Myanmar’s Escalating Humanitarian Crisis”

The first thing she did when the monsoon rains came was run for bricks. 

She needed to weigh down the corners of the fraying blue tarpaulin that had become her family’s only shelter. “If not,” she said, “the wind will blow it away, and then we’ll have nothing.” Around her, water poured into nearby makeshift tents. The ground turned to mud. The food rations had thinned, and the little medicine they had was used up.  

This is life now for millions across Myanmar. With each passing month, the crisis deepens, exacerbated by intensified conflict and worsening access to humanitarian aid. And as the monsoon sets in, hopes of relief are beginning to wash away. 

Millions in Need, But Help Is Slipping Away 

As of June 2025, over 18.6 million people in Myanmar require humanitarian assistance—a staggering figure representing roughly one-third of the population. Source: UN News, June 2025 

Nearly 3 million people are currently displaced, many living in makeshift shelters exposed to the elements, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Access to food has also deteriorated. The World Food Programme (WFP) notes that 12.4 million people face acute food insecurity, with 2.7 million at emergency levels. In its latest overview, the WFP stressed that without timely and sustained assistance, this number could rise further. [Source: WFP Myanmar Country Brief, May 2025] 

Yet, the humanitarian community continues to face challenges in delivering aid, including complex logistical constraints, administrative hurdles, and limited access to certain regions due to security concerns. These factors have made it increasingly difficult for relief to reach those in need, especially in remote and displaced communities. 

The Impact of the Monsoon 

While the monsoon brings much-needed rain to replenish farmland, it also poses a grave threat to those without proper shelter or sanitation. Health experts warn of rising risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dengue, particularly in displacement settings with limited clean water or hygiene facilities. 

Tents and temporary structures—never designed for long-term use—are deteriorating. Aid workers have observed that even essential items like water filters, mosquito nets, and medical kits are in short supply. With many roads impassable and traditional supply chains overstretched, the situation has become increasingly urgent. 

Quiet Innovation and Creative Channels 

Despite these challenges, humanitarian organizations like Gebirah, based in Singapore, continue to support the most vulnerable communities. 

Gebirah works through a network of grassroots partners, cross-border alliances, and global collaborators to ensure that essential supplies reach the vulnerable.  

“In every mission, our first priority is to listen to those closest to the ground,” says Tony Tan, Founder of Gebirah. “We work humbly and quietly, and always in the spirit of solidarity.” 

Even when direct access proves difficult, Gebirah remains committed to maintaining the flow of aid—responding creatively, compassionately, and in collaboration with others. This includes supporting local shelters and helping build capacity for healthcare outreach in underserved areas. 

A Call for Continued Cooperation 

Myanmar’s current crisis demands not only compassion but also cooperation. The humanitarian needs are immense, but so too is the potential for collective action. Continued engagement will be vital to ensuring that no one is left behind. 

At Gebirah, we believe that even in the most complex situations, there is always a way to serve with dignity, discretion, and care. We invite everyone to stand with us in this shared mission. 

If you are a potential partner, collaborator, or volunteer and wish to be part of this life-saving effort, we warmly welcome your support. Together, we can ensure that hope still reaches the hearts and hands of those who need it most.