On Friday, March 28, 2025, Myanmar was rocked by a devastating earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, prompting an urgent call for international assistance from the head of the military junta, Jenderal Min Aung Hlaing. The earthquake struck the country, leading to catastrophic damage and a rising death toll.
As the situation unfolded, reports indicated that the death toll had surged to 694 by Saturday, March 29, 2025, with 1,670 individuals injured. This marked a significant increase from the 144 fatalities reported just a day earlier, illustrating the scale of the disaster that had befallen the nation.
Jenderal Min Aung Hlaing visited the disaster sites and emergency hospitals in Naypyitaw, the capital city controlled by the junta. During his visit, he observed the extensive damage, including the Presidential Palace, where the ceiling had partially collapsed. His visit was a stark reminder of the earthquake's impact on the country's infrastructure.
In a televised address, Min Aung Hlaing issued an open invitation for assistance, stating, "I want to extend an open invitation to any organization and country willing to come and help the people in need in our country." This request for help was particularly notable, as it marked a rare moment of outreach from the junta since it seized power in 2021.
Despite the junta's historical reluctance to engage with international communities, the gravity of the situation compelled them to seek aid. The U.S. Geological Survey has predicted that the death toll could exceed 10,000, raising concerns about the overall impact on the nation, which could result in losses greater than Myanmar's gross domestic product.
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) has reported that the junta's actions since taking power have led to significant civilian casualties. As of January 2025, the AAPP documented 6,231 deaths attributed to the junta's military actions, including 1,144 women and 709 children. The grim statistics underscore the ongoing violence and repression that has plagued Myanmar since the military coup.
In addition to the immediate humanitarian crisis caused by the earthquake, the junta has faced international scrutiny over its previous actions. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been investigating alleged crimes committed by Min Aung Hlaing since 2019, focusing on accusations of crimes against humanity, including deportation and persecution of the Rohingya people. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing in 2024, adding to the complexities of Myanmar's political landscape.
As the junta grapples with the aftermath of the earthquake, the call for international assistance raises questions about the future of humanitarian aid in Myanmar. The junta has historically limited access to aid and maintained a tight grip on information, making it challenging for organizations to provide support to those in need.
In the wake of the earthquake, many citizens are left to wonder whether the junta's request for help will translate into meaningful support or if it will be met with skepticism from the international community. The junta's past actions have led to a lack of trust, and many are cautious about the motivations behind this sudden outreach.
Residents of Myanmar are facing a dual crisis: the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster and the ongoing challenges posed by the junta's governance. As they navigate these turbulent times, the need for humanitarian assistance is more critical than ever.
In conclusion, the earthquake's devastation has highlighted the urgent need for international support in Myanmar. The junta's unprecedented call for help comes at a time when the nation is already grappling with a history of violence and repression. As the world watches, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and what it means for the future of the people of Myanmar.
