#news #Myanmar #earthquake
A devastating earthquake measuring 7.7 magnitude struck central Myanmar, resulting in the loss of over a thousand lives and the destruction of thousands of homes. The country, already grappling with the aftermath of a four-year civil war, is facing immense challenges in dealing with the catastrophe.
In the wake of the earthquake, the country’s infrastructure, healthcare system, and power network have been severely compromised due to the violent clashes instigated by the military coup in 2021. Relief efforts in Myanmar are encountering several challenges, including a significant humanitarian crisis, as highlighted by international organizations such as the United Nations and aid agencies, who stress the urgent need for additional assistance.
Ramesh Khatri, a representative of Kansai Nepal News, commented that the situation in Myanmar is likely to deteriorate further, with millions of people requiring humanitarian aid even before the earthquake struck.
Furthermore, the earthquake has exacerbated food insecurity, with the World Food Programme indicating that more than 10.5 million out of a population of 50 million were struggling to meet their daily food needs even before the disaster.
The United Nations has reported a severe shortage of medical supplies in the aftermath of the earthquake, hindering relief efforts. Rescue teams on the ground are requesting additional resources to aid survivors and provide essential equipment for the collapsed buildings where trapped individuals are still awaiting rescue.
In a controversial move, amidst the earthquake crisis, the US President Donald Trump had cut foreign aid to the country, impacting the assistance provided by agencies like the World Food Programme to the affected population.
The military junta, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, has lost control over a significant part of Myanmar due to the ongoing conflict, despite maintaining authority over key affected areas. However, the military’s actions have led to internal dissent, with many government employees switching sides and facing opposition to the junta’s rule, further complicating relief efforts.
The fragile pre-existing infrastructure and healthcare system in Myanmar have been severely strained by the earthquake. Hospitals in rebel-controlled areas have been targeted, and healthcare workers have been forced to abandon government medical facilities due to their involvement in the uprising.
The international community has initiated rescue missions and aid deliveries to Myanmar, aiming to support those affected by the earthquake. However, the country’s divided control among the military, ethnic armed groups, and pro-democracy factions presents a challenging landscape for distributing essential relief resources effectively.
In conclusion, the earthquake has highlighted the vulnerability of Myanmar’s population, exacerbating existing challenges such as poverty, economic instability, and military expenditures draining the country’s resources. The need for unified control and coordinated efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar remains crucial.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: March 30, 2025 7:01 pm
