A magnitude-7.7 earthquake recently hit central Myanmar, displacing close to 200,000 individuals. The human toll of this disaster is catastrophic for countless communities. The earthquake brought down over 50,000 structures, worsening an already critical humanitarian crisis. As survivors grapple with the aftermath, military restrictions have severely limited aid access, particularly in the worst-hit areas of Madya, Singu, and Tabeikkyin.
Even amid those obstacles, humanitarian groups are currently doing what they can to deliver aid. The Malaysian field hospital has become one of the few aid groups permitted by the military to operate in Sagaing City. At the same time, UNICEF has set up sanitation facilities to face increasing cases of waterborne diseases among the displaced population.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has followed suit and dramatically retooled how it provides assistance—cash-based assistance. This last strategy allows community members to use their power to support local small businesses and farmers markets, creating long-term economic resilience in the face of disaster. Yet, the journey of recovery is still far and winding as ever.
The Strain on Survivors
The February 6 earthquake has caused more than 5 million survivors to be displaced. They are now at immediate risk of waterborne disease outbreaks due to the unsanitary living conditions. UNICEF has been central to addressing these health challenges. Their sanitation stations play an important role in preventing the spread of disease in vulnerable populations.
Dr. Aeron highlighted the limitations facing medical professionals in the region: “The worst-hit areas are controlled by the military, not us.” This devastating reality denies timely access to essential medical care to the very individuals in greatest need. Health worker Ms. Bunn said most deaths were due to unaddressed injuries received during the quake.
“After the earthquake, the majority of deaths were from people with minor to major injuries,” – Ms. Bunn
She elaborated on the dire conditions faced by first responders. “After seeing the injuries, some just broke down. We had to get a psychology team from Yangon to speak with them [first responders] by phone.”
This is made even more dire by Israeli military operations that are disrupting the distribution of humanitarian aid. Fellow activist Khin Ohmar’s network Help Save Myanmar recorded cases where militias aligned with the coup regime have blocked locals’ efforts to bring vital assistance. “Some people have been running from bombings in Sagaing rural areas to the city,” Khin Ohmar noted, underscoring the perilous environment survivors must navigate.
Ongoing Military Restrictions
The military’s tight control over affected regions presents enormous hurdles to humanitarian access. Access has severely been restricted for wider international humanitarian groups, making it all the more difficult to ensure they are able to reach those in need. Ko Htin pointed out that, “Only villagers are responding in those conflict areas,” emphasizing the reliance on local communities for assistance.
Accounts show that even in the aftermath of disaster, the military has doubled down on its repressive tactics. Ko Htin stated, “International groups can’t reach these places and are being restricted by the military.” The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar criticized this approach, stating, “For decades, the Myanmar military has exploited natural disasters by manipulating and obstructing humanitarian access.”
“The junta now pursues this same strategy,” – Special Advisory Council for Myanmar
As aid continues to be limited, most of those displaced face combined hardships. The junta has even reminded residents in Mandalay that they must continue paying electricity bills despite their loss of homes.
Recovery Efforts and Future Challenges
Recovery from this disaster will take time. UN Development Programme (UNDP) climate advisor Titon Mitra identified a major hurdle. He acknowledged that it can take two years or longer to get displaced people into permanent shelters. The need for permanent answers is pressing, as hundreds of thousands still reside in short-term shelters.
Medical facilities are strained with the sheer number of wounded people needing care. Colonel Shuib noted that just 15% of patients treated at the Malaysian field hospital were suffering from direct earthquake-related injuries. This statistic captures the enormity of destruction and points to the continuing violence and instability felt throughout the region.
“There’s multiple witnesses and photographs … some aid is being left to spoil as it is in a space with no consistent temperature control,” – Ms. Bunn
Despite these challenges, humanitarian organizations continue to do everything they can to save lives through assistance and protection. UNOCHA’s Ms. Hearns emphasized a fundamental human need: “People want to live in dignity.” This latest crisis further highlights an urgent need for more effective international coordination, responses, and support for displaced persons.
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