Myanmar Junta Appeals for International Aid Following Devastating Earthquake

NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar, 28 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – In an unprecedented move, Myanmar’s military junta has made a rare appeal for international humanitarian assistance following a powerful earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday. The junta has also declared a state of emergency across six severely affected regions.

Extent of the Disaster

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked central Myanmar, leaving an as-yet-undetermined number of casualties. The disaster has prompted an urgent response from the ruling junta, a government typically reluctant to seek external assistance.

Junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing was seen visiting a hospital in Naypyidaw, where medical teams were attending to the injured. Junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, “We want the international community to provide humanitarian aid as soon as possible.”

Affected Regions and Emergency Response

The junta has declared a state of emergency in the following six regions, which have borne the brunt of the earthquake’s destruction:

Hospitals in Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Sagaing have issued urgent requests for blood donations as they struggle to cope with the influx of injured patients.

Myanmar’s History of Natural Disasters

Myanmar has experienced several devastating earthquakes in recent history. In 2016, a 6.8-magnitude quake struck the country, damaging temples in the ancient city of Bagan. In 2011, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake killed over 70 people near the Thai border.

Given its location on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, Myanmar is highly susceptible to seismic activity, making disaster preparedness a significant challenge.

A Rare International Appeal

The military-led government’s decision to seek foreign aid is unusual, as the junta has often resisted international intervention, particularly following the 2021 coup. In past disasters, including Cyclone Mocha in 2023, foreign aid was tightly restricted. This latest request indicates the potential scale of the devastation and the junta’s recognition that it may lack the resources to manage the crisis alone.

International humanitarian organisations and neighbouring countries are expected to respond in the coming days, with medical assistance, food supplies, and reconstruction aid likely to be high priorities.

Future Outlook

As rescue and recovery efforts continue, the full extent of the earthquake’s impact is yet to be determined. The coming days will be crucial in assessing the humanitarian response and the level of international cooperation Myanmar’s junta is willing to accept.