Myanmar’s earthquake tragedy: Rescue efforts and rising humanitarian concerns

Department of Research, Studies and International News 02-04-2025

In a miraculous rescue, a 26-year-old man was found alive under the debris of a collapsed hotel in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, five days after a catastrophic earthquake devastated the country. The joint effort by Myanmar and Turkish rescue teams brought a glimmer of hope amid the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

The earthquake, the deadliest to hit Myanmar in a century, has already claimed over 2,700 lives, with officials warning that the toll could surpass 3,000. Military ruler Min Aung Hlaing confirmed the grim projections, while humanitarian organizations called for urgent international aid before the arrival of the monsoon season, which could worsen the crisis.

Widespread Devastation and Mounting Death Toll

Entire neighborhoods, religious sites, bridges, and highways have been reduced to rubble, particularly in the severely affected cities of Mandalay and Sagaing. Survivors, left homeless and in shock, have been forced to sleep in the streets, with the stench of decaying bodies lingering in the disaster zones. Basic necessities like clean water, food, and medical supplies are running dangerously low.

“This earthquake has deepened an already dire humanitarian crisis in Myanmar,” said Arif Noor, Myanmar country director for the humanitarian organization CARE. “Rescue operations continue, but hospitals are overwhelmed, and the psychological impact will be felt for generations.”

The disaster has also left over 4,500 people injured, while at least 441 remain unaccounted for. Authorities fear that most of the missing may not have survived. Some estimates suggest the actual death toll could be much higher, potentially exceeding 10,000.

A Nation Already in Crisis

Myanmar was already struggling with internal conflict before the earthquake struck. Since the military seized power in a 2021 coup, the country has been embroiled in a civil war that has destabilized the economy and reversed years of democratic progress. The earthquake has now compounded the suffering of the population.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the urgency of relief efforts, warning that the approaching monsoon season could escalate the crisis further. “Time is critical we need to act swiftly to provide aid before the rains make access even more difficult,” he said.

Reports of Airstrikes Amid Relief Efforts

Despite the humanitarian disaster, tensions between the ruling military junta and ethnic rebel groups continue to escalate. Residents and members of the exiled National Unity Government (NUG) accused the junta of continuing airstrikes in quake-affected regions. Reports emerged that bombs were dropped near the village of Nwe Khwe in Sagaing, intensifying fear among the already traumatized population.

“People are too afraid to stay inside their homes due to the risk of aftershocks. Now they also have to take cover from airstrikes. It’s a terrifying situation,” said Ye Lay, a resident from Chaung-U, one of the hardest-hit areas.

Amnesty International confirmed that it had received testimonies supporting claims of military airstrikes near earthquake relief zones. “You cannot seek humanitarian aid while simultaneously carrying out attacks,” said Amnesty’s Myanmar researcher, Joe Freeman.

Amid the chaos, the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a coalition of three powerful ethnic armed groups, announced a one-month unilateral ceasefire to enable humanitarian assistance. In contrast, the military junta stated it had paused its offensives but accused rival ethnic groups of using the disaster to regroup and prepare for attacks.

“The military is aware that these groups are mobilizing. We will treat any preparations for an attack as a direct threat and respond accordingly,” Min Aung Hlaing stated during a fundraising event for earthquake victims.

International Aid and National Mourning

In an attempt to demonstrate solidarity, the junta declared a week of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast on government buildings until April 6. However, humanitarian agencies stress that more than symbolic gestures are needed, swift and coordinated action is essential to prevent further loss of life.

With monsoon rains expected to arrive in May, the window for effective relief efforts is rapidly closing. The combination of political instability, damaged infrastructure, and ongoing conflict threatens to make this disaster even deadlier in the weeks ahead. As Myanmar grapples with this immense tragedy, the world watches to see whether aid efforts will be sufficient to prevent an even greater humanitarian catastrophe.