Rescue operations ramp up following destructive earthquake along Myanmar-Thailand border – DW – 03/30/2025
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Numerous countries have pledged humanitarian assistance to Myanmar following a deadly earthquake that struck the Southeast Asian nation on Friday, resulting in over 1,600 fatalities and 3,400 injuries.
According to the US Geological Service, the death toll in Myanmar could reach 10,000 and property losses might surpass the country’s annual economic output.
The earthquake is considered the most severe disaster to hit Myanmar in years and has caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, impeding the delivery of humanitarian support, the United Nations stated.
Aid Efforts Hampered by Civil War in Myanmar
Myanmar has been experiencing civil unrest which has escalated since a 2021 military coup, impacting the country’s largely agrarian economy and leaving essential services in shambles.
“All military and civilian hospitals, as well as health care workers, must work together in a coordinated and efficient manner to ensure effective medical response,” stated Myanmar’s junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, according to state-run media.
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Myanmar resistance announces partial ceasefire
The entire town of Sagaing, near the quake’s epicenter, was devastated, said resident Han Zin, adding, “We have received no aid, and there are no rescue workers in sight.”
The opposition National Unity Government (NUG), which includes the remaining personnel of the previous administration, said anti-junta militias under its command would pause all offensive military actions for two weeks from Sunday.
“The NUG, together with resistance forces, allied organizations and civil society groups, will carry out rescue operations,” it said in a statement.
Myanmar Counting on International Aid
The country, hardest hit by the disaster, received warships and aircraft carrying relief materials and rescue personnel from its neighbors on Sunday.
India, China, and Thailand are among the countries that have sent relief materials and teams of aid workers.
Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia have also dispatched aid and teams to assist in the rescue and relief operations.
Indian aircraft ferried supplies and search-and-rescue crews to Naypyitaw.
The Indian army will also help set up a field hospital in Mandalay, and two naval ships with essential supplies have departed for Myanmar’s commercial capital of Yangon, said Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
China has also sent multiple ships with teams of rescue workers.
Singapore sent a 78-member team, accompanied by rescue dogs, Myanmar state media said.
The United Kingdom has also pledged up to £10 million ($12.9 million) in “life-saving aid” for Myanmar.
“The UK is sending immediate and life-saving support to the people of Myanmar following the devastating earthquake,” Minister of State for Development Jennifer Chapman said.
