Flood response for Inle Lake weavers

Myanmar

Inle ikat, known locally as Inle Zinmae, is a distinctive weaving tradition that stands out even within Myanmar's rich textile heritage. Its custodians are the 400 weavers of Nyaung Shwe Township on the shores of Inle Lake, where weaving is the main source of income for close to half of all households.

In September 2024, rains from Typhoon Yagi flooded 65 townships across Myanmar and affected more than a million people. Nyaung Shwe was among the worst hit, with 80 percent of the township underwater. The floods submerged and destroyed looms, yarn, and equipment, and displaced many artisans, some for the second time, in a country already strained by political instability. Without their looms, the weavers lost both their livelihoods and the means to keep the tradition alive.

With €15,455 in support from CER, Turquoise Mountain Myanmar worked with weavers across seven villages to restart production. A rapid needs assessment identified 62 weavers, all women, whose looms had been damaged or submerged. Six local carpenters and loom technicians, chosen on the recommendation of the weavers themselves, carried out the repairs, spending a fortnight planning the work and confirming that materials were available locally and sustainably sourced.

Looms, yarn, and equipment were procured within the region where possible, supporting the local economy. Small stipends were offered to the weavers for immediate relief until production resumed. The project also worked with communities on emergency plans to reduce the damage from future floods.