Rebuilding Amidst Destruction: Myanmar's Struggle to Reconstruct After the Devastating Earthquake

Strategic Insights -

Thae Mama Swe, a 47-year-old seamstress, stood atop a pile of earthquake rubble in the monsoon rain, watching as excavators tore away at the concrete and rebar. Her son had been trapped inside the 10-story building that collapsed, and nearly 200 bodies have been recovered from the site, including seven in the past week. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck in February has killed more than 3,800 people, and the country is still grappling with the deadly divisions that have torn it apart. The military-led government has restricted aid to areas outside its control, and aid organizations operating inside Myanmar have declined to comment on the situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck in February has killed more than 3,800 people and displaced over 3.5 million, with 20 million in need of assistance.
  • The military-led government has restricted aid to areas outside its control, slowing or halting the delivery of humanitarian aid to many areas.
  • Insurgents have also attacked the military, and airstrikes have continued, including on civilian targets and in areas affected by the earthquake, according to Tom Andrews, the U.N.-appointed human rights expert for Myanmar.
  • The National Unity Government, established by elected lawmakers who were barred from taking their seats, did not respond to a request for comment.
  • Reconstruction efforts are underway, with teams of workers repairing roads, hospitals, and government buildings, but the lack of logistical help from foreign countries, including the U.S., has left both U.N. organizations and other groups operating inside Myanmar struggling to meet humanitarian needs.
  • Myanmar's economy is struggling, with Western sanctions having hurt an already struggling economy, making it difficult for the country to rebuild and meet its humanitarian needs.
  • Aye Min Thu, the chief of the Mandalay division of Myanmar's disaster management agency, said that with assistance from other countries, the country could "build a resilient society" and "future generations will not be easily destroyed."
  • Thae Mama Swe, whose son is still missing, is determined to recover his body, an essential part of Buddhist religious rites, and is struggling to come to terms with her guilt over encouraging her son to return to Mandalay.

Statistics:

  • Over 3,800 people have been killed by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake.
  • Nearly 200 bodies have been recovered from the site where Thae Mama Swe's son was trapped.
  • 3.5 million people have been displaced from their homes due to the fighting.
  • 20 million people are in need of assistance.
  • 29,000 homes, 5,000 Buddhist pagodas, and 43 bridges have been either completely or partially destroyed in the Mandalay region.
  • Myanmar's economy is struggling, with Western sanctions having hurt an already struggling economy.

Sources:

  • AP
  • Tom Andrews, U.N.-appointed human rights expert for Myanmar
  • Aye Min Thu, chief of the Mandalay division of Myanmar's disaster management agency
  • Thae Mama Swe, 47-year-old seamstress
  • The National Unity Government
  • Myanmar's disaster management agency
  • Myanmar Foreign Ministry