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Myanmar Conflict Persists Amid Earthquake Relief Efforts and Ceasefire Claims
Despite announcements of temporary ceasefires by both the military junta and an alliance of rebel groups to facilitate earthquake relief, reports indicate ongoing clashes in Myanmar. The nation is grappling with the aftermath of a recent devastating earthquake while simultaneously navigating a complex and protracted internal conflict. These developments raise concerns about access to humanitarian aid and the safety of civilians in affected regions.
Ceasefire Violations Alleged
The UN Human Rights office reported receiving information indicating at least 14 military offensives had been conducted since the declared ceasefire as of Friday. The military junta has accused two rebel groups, part of the alliance that announced a truce, of initiating hostilities. Conversely, one of the accused groups stated that fighting erupted in response to military “offensives.”
Military Spokesman’s Statement
Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the military council, issued a general statement asserting that the military would “respond if military bases are attacked without reason.” Requests for comment from an army spokesperson by BBC Burmese went unanswered.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Post-Earthquake
Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28th, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for “a halt to all military operations.” Türk emphasized the urgent need to prioritize “assisting those impacted by the quake, as well as ensuring unhindered access for humanitarian organizations.”
Ongoing Civil Conflict Complicates Relief
A civil war continues to rage across Myanmar between the junta, which gained power through a coup in 2021, and various ethnic militias and resistance forces. This existing conflict framework further complicates earthquake relief efforts.
Ceasefire Declarations and Reality
The military council declared a 20-day ceasefire on April 2nd, subsequent to a similar declaration made by the alliance of three rebel groups. Despite these pronouncements, on-the-ground reports suggest a starkly different reality.
Mounting Earthquake Casualties
State media reported that the official death toll from the earthquake in Myanmar had risen to 3,564 by Monday. Additionally, 5,012 individuals sustained injuries, and 210 remain missing, underscoring the scale of the disaster.
Challenges to Earthquake Relief Operations
More than a week after the seismic event, rescue personnel were still recovering bodies from the debris of collapsed structures in Mandalay during the weekend, according to state media reports. This highlights the continued urgency of search and recovery.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Rainfall over the weekend further complicated the situation, with aid organizations expressing concerns that it could impede relief efforts, potentially slowing down the delivery of crucial assistance.
Access Restrictions Hamper Aid Delivery
The UN Human Rights office reported on Friday that while some progress had been made in humanitarian efforts in accessible locations, “longstanding limitations imposed by the military on humanitarian operations and access” continued to leave numerous severely affected areas “inaccessible to humanitarian emergency assistance – except for local resident-organized aid.”
Urgent Needs on the Ground
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, in a video recorded in Mandalay on Saturday, stated that people urgently “need food, water, and power restoration. Shelter is also a critical requirement voiced by affected populations.”
Continuing Aftershocks and Trauma
The region continues to experience aftershocks, including a 4.9 magnitude tremor recorded over the weekend, leaving residents “living with ongoing trauma” in the aftermath of the significant earthquake.
Pre-Existing Humanitarian Needs Exacerbated
Prior to the earthquake, an estimated 20 million people within this community were already in need of assistance, highlighting a pre-existing vulnerability that has now been compounded.
Complex Crisis Situation
“It’s a compounding crisis,” Fletcher emphasized, “an earthquake on top of existing conflict, layered on top of immense pre-existing needs,” illustrating the multifaceted nature of the humanitarian emergency in Myanmar.