The toll of the Myanmar earthquake jumps at more than 1,600 – DW – 03/29/2025

Myanmar is already suffering from a massive humanitarian crisis in the midst of a civil war in progress since the 2021 military coup which overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Since then, the army has been involved in the fight with long -standing militias and long -established militias and newly formed militias.

Even after the devastating earthquakes on Friday, the military forces would have continued their attacks, especially at the border of the state of Mandalay seriously struck. The Reuters news agency interviewed state residents who said they had not yet received army aid.

Dave Aubank, a humanitarian worker, told the Associated Press news agency that the area he operated had been mainly destroyed by the army, the earthquake causing little impact. Aubank is the founder of the Free Birma Rangers Aid Organization, who has provided help to the country’s fighters and civilians since the 1990s.

A large part of the country is no longer under the control of the government, many regions are dangerous for aid groups to reach, while others are simply inaccessible.

The fighting has moved more than 3 million people, with some 20 million in need, according to the United Nations.

“The powerful earthquake hit the country at the worst possible moment,” said Reuters Sheela Matthew, deputy director of the country in the country in the country. “Myanmar simply cannot afford another disaster.”

The national government of unity, the parallel civil government which oversees certain pro-democracy forces, told Reuters that he would deploy anti-Junta forces to help help.

Rights activists fear that even the aid provided by other countries does not reach people on the ground. The authorities have, in the past, blocked relief in certain parts of the country under the control of the opposition.

“The Junta’s response to Cyclone Mocha and Typhoon Yagi demonstrates its desire to arm aid in the midst of natural disasters,” a special human rights rapporteur told Myanmar Thomas Andrews. He urged to team up with the national government of unity, ethnic organizations and civil society groups to reach those who need it.