Myanmar earthquake – a nation in crisis amid catastrophe

On March 28 2025, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck through the heart of Myanmar and Thailand. It was the most powerful earthquake in the region since 1912, devastating central regions like Mandalay and Sagaing. With over 3,600 people already confirmed dead, more than 5,000 injured, and hundreds still missing, the country is in disarray, desperately looking for their loved ones.

Myanmar has already been grappling with political instability following a military coup in 2021. The Tatmadaw (the Myanmar military forces) seized power from the National League for Democracy Party following their landslide victory in the 2020 elections. Upon deposing the newly democratically elected government, the Tatmadaw began blocking communications, blocking parliament and using the military to patrol streets, as well as arrest government officials such as President Win Myint.

Airstrikes by the Tatmadaw resumed near the earthquake’s epicentre, despite a ceasefire being declared. The military has also continued forced conscription of civilians, which has drawn manpower away from the rescue efforts and further added to civilian suffering

The military government’s immediate unpopularity plunged Myanmar into civil war, with the Tatmadaw clashing with pro-democratic rebels and ethnic militias like the Kachin Independence Army. Often at great civilian cost. The coup and ensuing civil war have created a humanitarian crisis, with the UN estimating 3.3 million people being displaced, and 5,350 civilian lives lost.

Despite the natural disaster, the civil war has continued. Airstrikes by the Tatmadaw resumed near the earthquake’s epicentre, despite a ceasefire being declared. The military has also continued forced conscription of civilians, which has drawn manpower away from the rescue efforts and further added to civilian suffering.

The civil war had already brought the nation to its knees, but the earthquake has added another layer of suffering to an already unbearable situation

The humanitarian crisis caused by the civil war has been further entrenched because of the recent earthquake. The quake has affected over 17 million people across 57 townships. Of these 17 million affected, nine million are experiencing severe devastation. Over 120,000 buildings, including homes, schools, hospitals, and religious sites, have been destroyed, making it incredibly difficult to keep communities together and coordinate disaster response. Key infrastructure like the Ava railway bridge and the Naypyidaw airport has also been rendered unusable, further complicating the logistics of delivering aid. With millions either trapped waiting to be rescued, or in dire need of access to food, clean water and sanitation, the situation spirals.

The civil war had already brought the nation to its knees, but the earthquake has added another layer of suffering to an already unbearable situation. The healthcare system, already suffering shortages from years of conflict, has quickly become overwhelmed by injuries from the quake. The destruction of the crops in the agricultural heartland along the Sagaing Fault will make for a long-term crisis, threatening millions with food insecurity. There is a high likelihood that malnutrition will be widespread later this year.

To make matters worse, heavy rains followed the earthquake, causing many more issues. The rain has caused further damage to roads and slowed relief efforts. For those now homeless and sleeping outside, the rain has exacerbated their plight. With sewage infrastructure left damaged, the rain has helped spread disease, causing sewage leaks across wide areas of land. The clean water reserves are being polluted with sewage, creating rising concern over a cholera outbreak. With poor access to sanitation, there is a significant risk of waterborne diseases spreading at an uncontrollable rate. There is, as a result, an urgent need for international aid to help repair infrastructure and prevent the humanitarian crisis from worsening.

Despite the horrific conditions the people of Myanmar are suffering, the Tatmadaw military is blocking aid efforts. In 2021, upon seizing power, the Tatmadaw instituted a communications blackout. Telecommunications blackouts and destroyed roads from the civil war have hindered assessments of damage and complicated the coordination of supply logistics.

Donor nations face ethical and political challenges in providing aid, concerned that their money and resources may be weaponised to reinforce the regime’s grip on power rather than support those most in need

To make matters worse, the junta declared that all relief must be coordinated by the military government. Immediately after the earthquake, countries like China, Russia, India, and the US pledged assistance. Similarly, the EU allocated €13 million for relief efforts. However, the Tatmadaw’s control over aid distribution has raised fears that humanitarian relief could be diverted to military-aligned areas, making foreign governments reluctant to commit resources without guarantees of impartial delivery. Donor nations face ethical and political challenges in providing aid, concerned that their money and resources may be weaponised to reinforce the regime’s grip on power rather than support those most in need.

If the humanitarian situation worsens in Myanmar, it will have widespread consequences for the region. A mass migration is likely to occur, placing extra pressure on neighbouring countries, and causing strain on the relationship between governments and the Tatmadaw

Human rights groups have been campaigning for organisations to bypass the junta; however, this has had a limited response from international governments. Governments must strike a difficult balance between delivering aid and appeasing the Tatmadaw. There have been similar reports from opposition-held areas, also in dire need of international relief.

If the humanitarian situation worsens in Myanmar, it will have widespread consequences for the region. A mass migration is likely to occur, placing extra pressure on neighbouring countries, and causing strain on the relationship between governments and the Tatmadaw. For example, ASEAN may become less willing to cooperate, which would further compound the economic situation in Myanmar, creating a negative spiral in Myanmar. It is vital for regional security that Myanmar’s suffering eases, or it will strain relationships and cause unthinkable levels of human suffering.

The United Kingdom also sought to assist Myanmar after the devastating earthquake by donating £10 million for urgent relief. Baroness Chapman, Minister of State for Development, said: “UK-funded local partners are already mobilising a humanitarian response on the ground, and this £10 million package will bolster their efforts.”

Myanmar, already facing horrific conditions from the civil war, now faces an unbearable situation because of the recent earthquake. There is a significant need for international intervention to deliver relief. However, the military control of the government has limited help, proving to only worsen the catastrophe. If something does not change soon, millions are at risk, and the region’s security may deteriorate.