How is Myanmar’s civil war affecting relief operations in the wake of the earthquake? | DW News

Key Concepts

• Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand
• Magnitude 7.7 earthquake
• Impact on Myanmar (Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Sagaing) and Thailand (Bangkok)
• Casualties and injuries
• Building collapse
• Healthcare system strain
• Myanmar's military junta's plea for international assistance
• Access to affected areas (Junta-controlled vs. non-Junta-controlled)
• International aid and willingness to assist
• Myanmar's isolation and past experiences with disaster relief

Earthquake and Initial Impact

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, causing significant damage and casualties. The epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city with over 1.5 million residents. The US Geological Survey initially indicated potentially thousands of deaths in Myanmar. The official death toll was initially reported as 144. The tremor also affected Thailand, resulting in at least nine deaths and several missing persons.

Building Collapse in Bangkok

In Bangkok, Thailand, an unfinished high-rise building collapsed due to the earthquake, which was hundreds of kilometers away. Witnesses described a loud bang and dust particles bursting out of the building before it collapsed within seconds. Rescuers were deployed to search for people trapped in the rubble.

Situation in Myanmar

Information from Myanmar was limited due to the ongoing civil war. Videos showed scenes of devastation. Hospitals in the capital, Naypyidaw, were overwhelmed with injured people, and the healthcare system, already weakened by four years of civil war, struggled to cope.

Government Response and International Assistance

Myanmar's junta declared a state of emergency and made a rare plea for international assistance. The junta requested help with the massive relief effort and opened all ways for foreign aid. This request was notable because Myanmar has been internationally isolated since the military seized power in 2021.

Interview with Tea Kedes (German Embassy)

Tea Kedes, head of mission at Germany's embassy in Yangon, provided insights into the situation. While in Bangkok, she was in contact with colleagues in Yangon, who reported that the earthquake was mild there. However, other parts of the country, particularly the central regions of Naypyidaw and Sagaing, and Mandalay, experienced major impacts. Initial reports indicated around 150 fatalities and 750 injured, but these numbers were expected to rise.

Myanmar's Preparedness and Access Issues

Kedes noted that Myanmar, as a military dictatorship, has the means to act quickly in areas under its control. However, the ongoing civil war and internal conflicts hinder the country's overall preparedness. The junta's request for international assistance indicates the severity of the situation. A major concern is ensuring access for aid to areas outside of the junta's control. Both ASEAN and India have expressed willingness to assist.

Junta's Request for Assistance

The junta's decision to seek international assistance suggests that they recognize their inability to handle the disaster alone. It also indicates a willingness to set aside their usual isolationist principles in times of need. Kedes pointed out that the junta had previously sought international assistance after Cyclone Nargis, but they were slow to do so. This time, they were quicker to ask for help, which Kedes considered a positive sign.

Conclusion

The earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand caused significant devastation, particularly in Myanmar. The international community's response is crucial, but ensuring access to all affected areas, including those not controlled by the junta, is a major challenge. The junta's rare plea for international assistance suggests the scale of the disaster and a potential shift in their approach to international relations, at least in times of crisis.