The Myanmar military is facing criticism for its ongoing airstrikes and alleged blocking of aid to earthquake survivors. International agencies are urging “unfettered access” to humanitarian aid in the conflict-ridden nation. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday has caused extensive destruction, resulting in over 2,000 deaths and a dire need for basic necessities such as food and water. Two Australia-based doctors coordinating the emergency response in Mandalay and Sagaing accused the junta of confiscating most of the aid supplies and preventing their delivery to affected areas. Dr Nang Win, one of the doctors, communicated with colleagues in Mandalay, where she stated that aid has been scarce and clinics have been set up in lieu of a proper emergency response system. The junta’s control over checkpoints has also been leveraged to block medicine from reaching areas controlled by the National Unity Government (NUG) and ethnic resistance groups. The claims come as the junta faces criticism for conducting airstrikes on villages. Tom Andrews, UN special rapporteur on Myanmar, stated that there are “consistent reports of aid being blocked” and that the junta is killing people instead of focusing on saving lives. The military’s track record of restricting aid and prioritizing its own power has been highlighted by Scot Marciel, a former US ambassador to Myanmar. The military’s behavior during the Covid pandemic and cyclone Nargis in 2008 demonstrated its willingness to stand by and allow suffering and death rather than risk its power position.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/01/myanmar-earthquake-junta-accused-blocking-aid