Myanmar Earthquake Relief Efforts Hampered by Ongoing Conflict and Political Turmoil

On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, resulting in over 3,600 fatalities and more than 5,000 injuries. The disaster has compounded the nation's ongoing civil conflict, creating significant challenges for relief efforts.

The earthquake's epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, causing widespread destruction across multiple regions. Thousands of buildings, including homes, schools, and religious sites, were reduced to rubble. Notably, the Ma Soe Yane monastery collapsed, and the former royal palace sustained damage. Infrastructure suffered heavily, with Mandalay International Airport closing due to a damaged runway and a 90-year-old bridge in Sagaing collapsing.

The United Nations reports that over 6.3 million people now require humanitarian aid, with the crisis exacerbating ongoing food shortages and a looming health emergency. Nearly 70 health facilities were damaged, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks, including diarrhea and potential cholera, amid extreme heat and limited medical supplies.

In response to the disaster, Myanmar's military junta declared a temporary ceasefire until April 22 to facilitate relief efforts. This followed unilateral ceasefires by armed resistance groups, including the People's Defense Force and the Three Brotherhood Alliance, who had earlier paused offensive operations to allow humanitarian assistance. Despite these ceasefires, reports indicate that fighting has continued in certain regions, with both the military and opposition forces accusing each other of violating the agreements. The ongoing conflict complicates the delivery of aid and hampers rescue operations.

International aid has been mobilized, with neighboring countries and organizations providing assistance. India launched "Operation Brahma," deploying an 80-member National Disaster Response Force team and substantial resources, including field hospitals and medical supplies. By April 9, the operation had treated over 1,370 patients and delivered 656 metric tons of aid. China pledged $137 million in humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and expert teams. However, challenges such as damaged infrastructure, unseasonal heavy rains, and the complex political landscape have hindered effective relief distribution.

The United Nations has condemned ongoing military operations that are obstructing urgent relief efforts. A new UN report reveals that over 6.3 million people now require humanitarian aid, with the crisis exacerbating ongoing food shortages and a looming health emergency. Crucial food-producing regions were affected, destroying agricultural infrastructure and putting millions of livestock at risk. In addition, nearly 70 health facilities were damaged, and disease outbreaks, including diarrhea and potential cholera, are spreading amid extreme heat and limited medical supplies. The UN has criticized the military's indiscriminate attacks, including aerial and artillery strikes in earthquake-affected areas, and called for all parties to cease hostilities. The military has also allegedly blocked aid access and harassed humanitarian workers. The UN urges the Security Council to enforce a resolution to halt violence and ensure unhindered humanitarian access.

Internet shutdowns imposed by the military junta have obstructed emergency response coordination and hindered families from confirming the safety of their loved ones. Access to lifesaving information and connection with aid groups is severely restricted. These communication blackouts, affecting about a third of the population, have obstructed emergency response coordination and hindered families from confirming the safety of their loved ones. Access to lifesaving information and connection with aid groups is severely restricted, with only a few able to utilize costly alternatives like Starlink satellite internet. The shutdowns are part of broader efforts by the junta, in power since a 2021 coup, to suppress dissent and control information. Aid groups and activists have reported delays in relief delivery and challenges in situational awareness due to the lack of connectivity. Advanced technologies such as AI and satellite imagery are being used to assess damage and plan aid, but limited access and weather conditions pose challenges. Calls from global organizations urging the junta to lift restrictions have so far gone unheeded, exacerbating the crisis in a country already grappling with political repression and civil unrest.

The earthquake has intensified Myanmar's existing humanitarian crisis, which has been ongoing since the military coup in 2021. The disaster has significantly complicated recovery efforts, which are further hampered by ongoing conflict, internet shutdowns, and adverse weather conditions such as heavy rains. The situation underscores the intersection of natural disasters and political instability, highlighting the need for coordinated international efforts to address both immediate humanitarian needs and the broader conflict in Myanmar.