Relief organizations criticize Myanmar's military government for delays and restrictions on aid distribution following a powerful earthquake that left thousands homeless and in urgent need of assistance.
Military Restrictions Hamper Earthquake Relief Efforts in Myanmar
Military Restrictions Hamper Earthquake Relief Efforts in Myanmar
After a devastating quake, international aid struggles to reach those in need due to military interference and ongoing conflict.
The earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 has left a trail of destruction, claiming over 3,500 lives and injuring countless others. As relief efforts were mobilized, volunteers from France, equipped with advanced radar technology, attempted to assist in rescue operations in Naypyidaw. However, their efforts were thwarted by immigration delays, and upon entering the country, they were met with the announcement that search and rescue operations would conclude the following day, leaving them to return home without a success story.
In a surprising move, Myanmar's military government appealed for international help and announced a cease-fire against regional rebel factions. Despite this, international aid groups have reported significant challenges in providing assistance to those affected. Critics highlight the regime's ongoing restrictions and fear tactics, as military airstrikes continue against rebel areas, further complicating relief endeavors.
The comprehensive damage inflicted by the earthquake remains difficult to assess, exacerbated by the persistent conflict and the destruction of infrastructure like roads and communication networks. Sezer Ozgan, a volunteer with the French nonprofit L’Espoir du peuple A.R.S.I, lamented the chaotic conditions in which aid workers operate, where “nothing was reasonable on the ground.”
As the people of Myanmar grapple with the aftermath of the earthquake, they face a stark reality of limited aid and continuing violence, evoking sentiments of an "earth's anger" amid a climate of fear and uncertainty.
In a surprising move, Myanmar's military government appealed for international help and announced a cease-fire against regional rebel factions. Despite this, international aid groups have reported significant challenges in providing assistance to those affected. Critics highlight the regime's ongoing restrictions and fear tactics, as military airstrikes continue against rebel areas, further complicating relief endeavors.
The comprehensive damage inflicted by the earthquake remains difficult to assess, exacerbated by the persistent conflict and the destruction of infrastructure like roads and communication networks. Sezer Ozgan, a volunteer with the French nonprofit L’Espoir du peuple A.R.S.I, lamented the chaotic conditions in which aid workers operate, where “nothing was reasonable on the ground.”
As the people of Myanmar grapple with the aftermath of the earthquake, they face a stark reality of limited aid and continuing violence, evoking sentiments of an "earth's anger" amid a climate of fear and uncertainty.
