Going where we’re needed most required real-time local information and support that reflected evolving conditions on the ground.

• Triaging

  • Utilized social media, word of mouth, and community networks to identify last-mile communities in need of support

  • Prioritized according to assessed need based on level of geographic isolation, exposure to conventional aid, history of underinvestment, etc.

  • Evaluated and validated need of response sites with in-person site assessments by our team and local network’s community members

• Last-mile reachability

  • Partnered with local aid groups and own network to bypass transportation challenges that restricted movement of other NGOs and aid groups

  • Followed community knowledge for alternative travel routes to those with damaged roads and bridges

  • Applied community ethos to facilitate local cooperation and enable use of those alternative routes

• Upkeep

  • Maintained technical durability after initial installation through local reporting and our team returning to conduct systems repairs

  • Continually assessed for active need post-installation, treating need as a dynamic matter

    • Ex: One emergency shelter needed to run water pump for a longer amount of time because of the increase in shelter residents. The initially installed system could not meet this evolved capacity, so our team returned and expanded battery capacity to meet the increased need

  • Decommissioned systems for inactive shelters, putting that system back into circulation help another site with active need

• This was Atutu’s first time on the frontlines of disaster relief, so we had to shift gears quickly to meet the moment.

  • Dispatched our team to the epicenter within 2 days of the earthquake and gaining real-time information on scope of damage and community need

  • Expanded our geographical scope from 1 to 3 provinces for more localized support in site identification and installation

  • Refined the mobile design for our solar microgrids for capacity to move with temporary community facilities like emergency shelters

We have continued to show up for last-mile communities amidst difficulties from Myanmar’s context of conflict and recent disaster.

• Collaborated with our partners for immediate disaster funding that let us complete our first solar installation in 10 days post-earthquake and execute an average of 2 installations per month

• Ensured durability of energy systems amidst unstable conditions with community integration as infrastructure, adaptive supply chains, and engineering know-how

• Incorporated our disaster relief experience into our long-term vision and strategy for local rebuilding and resilience