Earthquake in Myanmar: Chaos and fights endanger rescue campaigns!

Earthquake in Myanmar: Chaos and fights endanger rescue campaigns!

Mandalay, Myanmar - On April 2, 2025, an earthquake of the strength shook 7.7 central Myanmar, especially the region around Sagaing. So far, more than 2,700 people have died, and at least 440 are considered missing. Many residents spend the nights outdoors because their houses are uninhabitable. While the rescue measures begin, authorities report chaotic conditions and a lack of information about the situation on site. Vol.at speaks of refugees who have to live under extreme conditions.

The military Junta, which Myanmar has ruled since 2021, asked for international help during this humanitarian crisis. At the same time, however, the auxiliary operations are under extreme pressure due to the continued civil war between the Junta and various resistance groups. These conflicts have additionally isolated the areas that urgently need support and endangered the auxiliary operations. FR.DE reports that despite the catastrophic circumstances, air strikes in civilians in the Chaung-U district has continued.

auxiliary measures and international support

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the security of a rescue team that is active in the disaster area. An auxiliary convoy of the Chinese Red Cross was stopped by the Junta with warning shots because he had not followed an instruction. This illustrates the tensions between the Junta and the teams of helpers. The Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing emphasized that the transport routes for the rescue work must remain open. dw.com emphasizes that a rescue team from China has already arrived with immediate aid of 14 million euros.

Numerous other international rescue teams from countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, New Zealand, India, Japan, Singapore and Russia are also in action. Despite all this support, there are concerns that the auxiliary funds could not benefit the victims because the Junta controls the distribution. Independent activists warn that many people in Sagaing have so far have no access to relief goods.

political classification and humanitarian challenges

The humanitarian situation in Myanmar is extremely tense due to the civil war. Before the earthquake, 3.5 million people in Myanmar had already been sold on the basis of the conflict. Aid organizations report that the continuing fights considerably hinder the rescue and auxiliary operations. Despite a announced one -month ceasefire on the part of the resistance groups, the Junta rejected them and continued their offensive military actions. Vol.at mentions that the Australian government and Amnesty International are criticizing for its continued attacks during this humanitarian crisis.

The development of the situation in Myanmar remains uncertain, since the Junta asks despite all the challenges for international support and at the same time continues their military operations. The people in the earthquake areas hope for an early improvement in their situation, which is not only characterized by natural disasters, but also by a catastrophic political environment.