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Update on the Earthquake Crisis in Myanmar
BANGKOK — Over the past weekend, regions in Myanmar that were severely affected by a recent earthquake experienced rainfall, potentially hindering relief efforts and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks, according to aid organizations. The United Nations’ head of aid expressed the urgent need for additional tents to provide shelter for those displaced by the disaster.
As reported by state media, the death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck on March 28 has now reached 3,471, with 4,671 individuals injured and 214 people still unaccounted for.
Aid organizations have raised concerns that the unusual combination of rainfall and extreme heat could lead to outbreaks of illnesses like cholera among survivors who are living outdoors. "Families are sleeping outside amid the ruins of their homes, while the bodies of loved ones are being recovered from the rubble. The fear of more earthquakes looms large," said Tom Fletcher, the visiting UN aid chief. He emphasized the need to quickly deliver tents and hope to survivors as they work to rebuild their lives, stressing that coordinated action is vital to save as many lives as possible.
Neighboring countries, including China, India, and other Southeast Asian nations, have sent relief supplies and rescue teams to support the recovery efforts in the earthquake-affected areas, which are home to roughly 28 million residents.
Additionally, the United States—previously the world’s largest donor of humanitarian aid—has committed at least $9 million to assist communities in Myanmar impacted by the earthquake. However, both current and former U.S. officials noted that the recent cuts to foreign aid programs have hampered the response efforts. Marcia Wong, a former high-ranking USAID official, revealed that three USAID workers who traveled to Myanmar following the quake were informed they would be let go. "This team is putting in intense effort to deliver humanitarian aid to those in dire need. To hear about imminent job cuts is incredibly demoralizing," Wong stated.
In neighboring Thailand, the death toll from the earthquake has risen to 24, with 17 fatalities reported at the site of a collapsed skyscraper in Bangkok that was under construction. There are still 77 individuals unaccounted for in this incident.
Ceasefire Violations
Since the military coup that ousted Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, the military has faced challenges in governing Myanmar, resulting in a damaged economy and collapsing basic services, including healthcare—a situation worsened by the earthquake.
The ongoing civil conflict has displaced over 3 million people, leading to widespread food insecurity and leaving more than one-third of the population in need of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations.
Despite a ceasefire being declared last Wednesday, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reported on Friday that the junta was restricting aid in areas that oppose its authority. They are also investigating reports of attacks carried out by the junta against opposition figures, including actions taken during the ceasefire.
A spokesperson for the junta did not respond to requests for comment.
The relief organization Free Burma Rangers informed Reuters on Saturday that the military conducted bombings in Karenni and Shan states on Thursday and Friday, killing at least five people, including civilians. David Eubank, founder of the group, noted that there have been a minimum of seven military strikes since the ceasefire announcement.
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