In the news
On 28 March, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Sagaing region of Myanmar. The aftershocks killed 3700, injured 4515, and left 450 missing. On 28 March, according to Al Jazeera, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China felt the tremors from the earthquake. The death toll in Thailand currently stands at 20 people.

On 29 March, despite the earthquake, the military carried out aerial strikes in the Shan state, killing 1600 people. 

On 2 April, the military leader called for a temporary ceasefire until 22 April. The ceasefire came after the National Unity Government (NUG) on 28 April said that the anti-militia groups under its command would pause all offensives for two weeks. On 1 April, the Guardian quoted the Three Brotherhood Alliance that they would not initiate offensive operations for a month to allow rescue efforts but would engage in self-defense. 

On 30 March, the UN appealed for an urgent USD eight million amidst the worsening of the humanitarian crisis in the country. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies appealed for USD 115 million to help the earthquake victims and CHF 100 million to assist 100,000 people with life-saving relief and early recovery. 

On 30 March, the Secretary General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Horun, joined the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, Bendito Freitas, to discuss ASEAN’s humanitarian aid to Myanmar and reaffirmed support to relief and recovery efforts.
 
Throughout the week, several countries have pledged humanitarian aid to Myanmar. China sent USD 13.9 million in emergency aid along with tents, blankets, and first aid kits. India sent a search and rescue team, medical professionals, and military transport aircraft filled with blankets, hygiene kits, and food packets. The US has pledged USD two million in aid through Myanmar-based humanitarian organizations. Vietnam has sent a team of more than 100 rescuers, medical staff, firefighters, and aid and sniffer dogs. South Korea is to provide USD two million in initial humanitarian aid through international organizations, and Thailand has sent 55 air force personnel, medics, rescue specialists, and medical supplies to Myanmar. 

Issues at large
First, Myanmar’s earthquake-prone geography. Myanmar is one of the most geologically active areas in the world because it is above the convergence of four tectonic plates- the Eurasian plate, the Indian plate, the Sunda plate, and the Burma microplate. This earthquake was one of the most powerful to strike Myanmar since the 1912 Burma earthquake and the 1930 Bago earthquake. 

Second, the civil war and its impact on the rescue operations. Although the military agreed to a ceasefire to promote relief efforts, many are skeptical of the ceasefire and fear that aid will be taken as an opportunity to gain control in several regions. During the 2008 cyclone Nargaris, the military blocked aid and imposed uncompromising restrictions on the relief efforts. In the 2023 cyclone Mocha, the military was deemed slow and inadequate in their response to the rescue, resulting in 145 deaths.

Third, infrastructural and technological limitations. The political crisis due to the ongoing civil war has brought the infrastructure, healthcare, and power systems to their knees. Myanmar lacks advanced early warning systems for earthquakes and was unprepared for relief efforts. The Mandalay General Hospital is the city’s main medical facility and has around 1000 beds but has received more than 2000 patients. With the high temperatures in Mandalay, hundreds of patients are being treated in the hospital parking area. 

Fourth, limited global responses. China and India have good relations with Myanmar and are actively providing aid. Despite the US’s humanitarian aid, European and East Asian countries, except for South Korea, did not respond to the earthquake. Myanmar has a bitter relationship with the West because of the military rule, allegations of human rights violations, the Rohingya crisis, sanctions imposed by the West, and war crimes. This has hindered substantial responses from the West. 
 
In perspective
First, the slow pace in response due to delayed and restricted access to affected areas would likely lead to an increase in casualties. The increasing number of death toll is also attributed to weak infrastructure in the rural areas. Many buildings are not maintained according to building codes and cannot withstand earthquakes, risking collapse. This has significantly affected the high population density areas. Myanmar lacks a definitive disaster management system that provides warnings, drills, and awareness to the public and effectively prepares and responds to emergencies. 

Second, the deep-rooted conflict, distrust between conflict actors and restrictions to affected areas have made the relief efforts challenging. Additionally, the complicated relationship between Myanmar, and international organizations and the West imply the weak relief efforts.