Live Update: Myanmar Earthquake | Bangkok Earthquake | Best Home's Response

What Is Happening In Myanmar Right Now?

The recent earthquake in Myanmar has left many families devastated, with reports of collapsed homes and tragic losses. For Myanmar maids working in Singapore, this has been an emotionally difficult time as they worry about the well-being of their loved ones back home.

Best Home Employment Agency has been actively engaging our partners in Myanmar for updates from the ground, and supporting our Myanmar helpers who are here in Singapore.

From our numerous partners there, we understand that several regions are still affected by the aftershocks of the earthquake. It is difficult to ascertain the severity of the situation as internet and power lines are in the midst of being restored at the moment. But our partners speculate that the numbers of collapsed building structures, injuries and loss of lives may be higher than expected. Below are more photos from the affected areas in Myanmar:

Best Home's Response

Our team, led by our Director Mr Tay, has been initiating counselling sessions via calls and text messages to check in on our Myanmar helpers. We have also been visiting our dormitory to ensure their well-being, bringing along gifts and snacks to lift their spirits. While most of our Myanmar helpers' families are safe back home, a small number have been directly affected by the earthquake. We are sincerely touched and inspired by our Myanmar helpers' resilience. The affected Myanmar helpers have expressed a renewed determination to work hard and support their families through this challenging period.

Many of our partners in Myanmar, and our Myanmar helpers here expressed their thankfulness towards ongoing SCDF Singapore's humanitarian efforts happening in Myanmar right now.

Tragically, one of our Myanmar helpers lost her mother when their home collapsed during the earthquake. Upon learning about this, our team quickly verified the situation with our Myanmar partners and arranged for her to return home as soon as possible. Despite this Myanmar helper working here for only 5 months assisting this helper in reuniting with her family is simply the right thing for us to do. We extend our deepest gratitude to her employer for their understanding and support in allowing her to return home on compassionate grounds. Best Home is also expediting the process of finding a suitable replacement helper for this employer.

An Appeal To Employers

To employers whose Myanmar maids have family members affected by the earthquake, we advise the following:

1) Be extra kind and patient during this tough time.

Many affected regions in Myanmar are still experiencing disruptions to internet and electricity services, leaving helpers anxiously waiting for updates from their families.

Additionally, we encourage employers to allow their affected Myanmar helpers to take their rest day in the coming week. Your Myanmar helper may hope to seek comfort through religious practices such as praying at a church or a Buddhist temple.

2) Be wary of scammers asking for donations.

Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of desperate situations. They may reach out asking for donations or send fraudulent links containing malware. Employers should exercise caution and also remind their Myanmar helpers to be vigilant.

3) Recommend to your Myanmar maid reliable news sources providing information about the earthquake.

Social media is often flooded with misinformation, which can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Employers can assist their helpers by sharing verified news sources to keep them informed.

Best Home Remains Committed In Our Support

Best Home Employment Agency remains committed to supporting our Myanmar helpers here in Singapore. We continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

If you are a Best Home employer who has a Myanmar helper requiring assistance or simply a listening ear, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via our social media platforms or by calling us. We are here to help in any way that we can.