Sign in Subscribe
Earthquakes

Myanmar Struggles to Rebuild Amid Ongoing Civil War and Earthquake Destruction

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The city of Mandalay lay in ruins, a testament to the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, killing over 3,800 people. As the country still grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, it is compounded by an ongoing civil war, with the military-led government facing opposition from pro-democracy forces. The military's restrictions on aid distribution and ongoing violence have hindered relief efforts, with a U.N.-appointed human rights expert warning that the situation is "as simple as that" - the junta must stop killing people and obstructing aid.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28 killed over 3,800 people and destroyed nearly 29,000 homes, 5,000 Buddhist pagodas, and 43 bridges in the Mandalay region.
  • Myanmar's military-led government has restricted aid distribution, with the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights stating that the regime must stop obstructing aid.
  • Ongoing violence between the military and pro-democracy forces has continued, with human rights expert Tom Andrews warning that the military must stop killing people and quit obstructing aid.
  • The U.N. estimated that over 3.5 million people were displaced from their homes due to the fighting before the earthquake, with 20 million in need of assistance.
  • International sanctions have further strained Myanmar's economy, making it harder for the government to rebuild and meet humanitarian needs.
  • Crews are working to repair the parliament complex in Naypyitaw, with up to 500 people working day and night to have the buildings ready for elections scheduled for the end of December.
  • Opposition organizations, including armed resistance groups, have vowed to try to derail the elections, which critics call a "sham" to normalize the military takeover.
  • Reconstruction efforts are hindered by a lack of proper construction techniques, with officials seeking assistance from other countries experienced in building earthquake-resistant buildings.

Statistics:

  • Over 3,800 people were killed in the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28.
  • Nearly 29,000 homes, 5,000 Buddhist pagodas, and 43 bridges were destroyed in the Mandalay region.
  • Over 3.5 million people were displaced from their homes due to fighting in Myanmar before the earthquake.
  • 20 million people in Myanmar are in need of humanitarian assistance.
  • International sanctions have strained Myanmar's economy, making it harder to rebuild and meet humanitarian needs.

Sources:

  • "United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights" - no specific date or publication mentioned
  • Tom Andrews, U.N.-appointed human rights expert for Myanmar
  • Zaw Tun Oo, head of the protocol department of the Myanmar Foreign Ministry
  • Aye Min Thu, chief of the Mandalay division of Myanmar's disaster management agency
  • Thin Thin Swe, engineer in charge of rebuilding the Ottara Thiri Hospital
  • Kyaw Ko Ko, Mandalay's fire chief
  • The Associated Press - no specific date or publication mentioned

Read more