Importance Score: 85 / 100 🟢
Myanmar Earthquake: First Major Disaster After US Aid Agency Restructure
A powerful earthquake in Myanmar has struck as the United States grapples with changes to its international aid operations. This major natural disaster occurred shortly after a reorganization of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). While the US President pledged assistance following the devastating seismic event, questions arise about the capacity for immediate response amidst recent staffing adjustments at USAID.
Concerns Over US Disaster Response Capacity
The US State Department asserts it maintains personnel in Myanmar. However, a former USAID official expressed concern that recent changes have left the system “in shambles,” potentially hindering the ability to conduct rapid search and rescue operations or deliver crucial aid effectively.
Sarah Charles, a former senior USAID official with experience in disaster response, highlighted the potential lack of personnel and resources necessary for swift action. She emphasized the importance of rapid deployment to extract survivors from collapsed structures and provide immediate life-saving assistance.
US Response to Earthquake
When questioned about the earthquake by reporters, the US President affirmed, “We’re going to be helping. We’ve already alerted the people. Yeah, it’s terrible what happened.”
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce informed reporters that the administration’s response will be guided by requests for assistance and reports from the affected region.
Ms. Bruce stated that “USAID has maintained a team of disaster experts with the capacity to respond if disaster strikes. These expert teams provide immediate assistance, including food and safe drinking water, needed to save lives in the aftermath of a disaster.”
Despite recent organizational adjustments, Ms. Bruce asserted “there has been no impact” on USAID’s “ability to perform those duties”.
Ongoing Conflict and Military Actions Hamper Relief Efforts
Compounding the crisis, Myanmar’s ruling military junta has reportedly continued military operations in parts of the country despite the massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake. The earthquake has already resulted in a significant death toll, exceeding 1,600 lives lost.
Pro-democracy groups engaged in conflict with the military reported aerial bombardments in Chang-U, located in the Sagaing region near the earthquake’s epicenter.
Reports of airstrikes near Myanmar’s border with Thailand have also surfaced. Tom Andrews, the United Nation’s Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, described it as “nothing short of incredible” that military bombings were occurring amidst urgent rescue attempts.
He appealed to the junta to halt all military operations and urged those with influence over Myanmar’s leadership to condemn the ongoing attacks.
Impact on Conflict Zones
Dave Eubank, founder of the Free Burma Rangers humanitarian aid organization, reported three airstrikes in northern Kayin state and southern Shan state, both bordering Mandalay state.
Mr. Eubank noted that in areas where his organization operates, many villages had already been devastated by military actions prior to the earthquake, minimizing the earthquake’s additional direct impact in those specific zones.
He stated, “People are in the jungle and I was out in the jungle when the earthquake hit — it was powerful, but the trees just moved, that was it for us, so we haven’t had a direct impact other than that the Burma army keeps attacking, even after the quake.”
Mai Rukow, Editor of Shwe Phee Myay News Agency, reported an airstrike on a rebel-held village in northern Shan shortly after the earthquake, resulting in the deaths of seven militia members and damage to multiple structures, including a school.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsened by Earthquake
Myanmar, alternatively known as Burma, is currently experiencing a protracted civil war, which has already precipitated a significant humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict makes movement within the country challenging and perilous, further complicating earthquake relief efforts and raising concerns about a potential increase in the already substantial death toll.
The military assumed control of the government in February 2021, displacing the elected administration of Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta is currently engaged in conflict with both long-established and newly formed pro-democracy resistance groups.
Rising Casualties and Damage
The military junta announced via state television on Saturday that the confirmed death toll from the earthquake had risen to 1,644. This increase is attributed to the recovery of additional bodies from the debris of numerous buildings that collapsed during the earthquake near Myanmar’s second-largest city on Friday, March 28th. The number of reported injuries has increased to 3,408, and the number of missing individuals stands at 139.
International Aid and Relief Challenges
Rescue operations are currently underway in major urban centers including Mandalay and Naypyitaw, the nation’s capital. Despite the arrival of international teams and resources, relief efforts are being impeded by damage to airports in these cities, rendering them unsuitable for aircraft landings.
The government’s forces have lost control of significant portions of Myanmar, and many areas remain inaccessible or too hazardous for aid organizations. The United Nations estimates that over three million people have been displaced due to ongoing conflict, and nearly 20 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.
International Response
China and Russia, primary arms suppliers to Myanmar’s military, were among the first nations to offer humanitarian assistance.
China announced the deployment of over 135 rescue personnel and specialists, along with essential supplies such as medical kits and generators. Russia’s Emergencies Ministry reported sending 120 rescuers and supplies, and the Russian Health Ministry confirmed the dispatch of a medical team.
Other nations, including India and South Korea, are also providing aid. The UN has allocated £3.86 million ($5 million) to support relief operations.
Geological Context of the Earthquake
The earthquake occurred at midday local time on Friday, with its epicenter located near Mandalay. Several aftershocks followed, including one registering a magnitude of 6.4. The seismic activity caused widespread damage, collapsing buildings, buckling roadways, destroying bridges, and breaching a dam.
Earthquakes are relatively frequent in Myanmar due to its location on the Sagaing Fault, a significant north-south fault line that delineates the boundary between the India and Sunda tectonic plates.