There are growing concerns that political instability in Myanmar could further slow down aid distribution, making swift and unhindered access to affected areas a top priority for relief workers.

Emergency response teams from international organisations and neighbouring countries have been deployed to provide urgent medical care and rescue operations after the catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday, tearing apart buildings.

Many families are seeking temporary shelter in open areas, fearing further aftershocks. Hospitals in Mandalay and surrounding areas have been overwhelmed with the influx of injured people, with many medical facilities suffering structural damage themselves.

Rescue teams from around the world, including medical personnel and humanitarian workers, have mobilized to assist in disaster relief efforts.

Paul Brockmann, operations manager for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Myanmar, emphasized the urgent need for immediate medical care.

“Given the scale and intensity of the earthquake, the impact on people could be devastating, particularly for those who require immediate lifesaving assistance due to trauma injuries. We’re also concerned about those who have lost access to shelter, general health care, and safe drinking water, which is crucial to control the possible spread of waterborne diseases.”

Paul says that MSF teams in Myanmar and Thailand have reported that their staff are safe and are working with local authorities to facilitate swift medical response. However, road blockages and damaged airports have made it difficult to transport much-needed supplies and medical personnel into the worst-hit areas.

The International Federation of Red Cross has launched an Emergency Appeal to assist people with life-saving relief and early recovery support over the next 24 months. The appeal aims to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, water, and medical supplies, to the affected population.

However, challenges such as infrastructure damage and communication blackouts have hindered relief efforts.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

Even before the earthquake, Myanmar was facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with nearly 20 million people in need of assistance due to ongoing conflicts and displacement. The earthquake has only deepened the suffering of millions, adding urgent needs for shelter, food, medical aid, and clean water.

ActionAid has launched an emergency appeal to support survivors, estimating that 3.14 million people within a 50-kilometer radius of the epicenter are directly impacted. The organization’s spokesperson noted, “In a country already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, the scale of this tragedy is unprecedented.”

Oxfam, which has been working in Myanmar for years, is also mobilising relief efforts. Rajan Khosla, Oxfam’s Country Director in Myanmar, emphasised the dire situation:

“In the wake of a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that shattered countless lives within minutes—and amid an already dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by funding cuts—the burden on the people of Myanmar has grown immeasurably heavier.”

In addition to international organizations, local volunteer groups have stepped up to provide emergency aid. Makeshift medical camps have been set up in open spaces, while local businesses and residents are donating food and water to those in need. However, logistical challenges remain, with key supply routes blocked by debris and landslides.

Khosla says, “In this moment of immense devastation, where communities have watched everything they own crumble before their eyes, our team, together with local partners, remains steadfast in delivering urgent humanitarian assistance on the ground.”

He emphasises that this is a critical moment when “Myanmar needs the world’s solidarity and immediate action more than ever.”

Rebuilding and Recovery

Myanmar has declared a state of emergency and has officially appealed for international aid. However, the road to recovery will be long and arduous. Major highways, including the Express Highway connecting Yangon to Naypyidaw and Mandalay, have sustained significant damage, delaying the transportation of essential supplies.

Relief agencies stress that the coming weeks are critical. The United Nations, along with other international humanitarian organizations, is coordinating relief operations, focusing on emergency medical aid, temporary shelters, and food distribution.

However, there are growing concerns that political instability in Myanmar could further slowdown aid distribution, making swift and unhindered access to affected areas a top priority for relief workers. Bureaucratic delays and ongoing security concerns have made it difficult for international agencies to mobilise resources quickly.

Experts warn that the economic impact of the earthquake could be devastating for Myanmar, which is already struggling with economic instability. Businesses in Mandalay, a key commercial hub, have reported severe losses, and tourism – a major revenue source – is expected to take a significant hit.

As a humanitarian worker from Oxfam said, “For now, Myanmar remains in a state of shock, mourning the loss of lives while bracing for the challenges that lie ahead.”

Widespread Destruction

The epicentre of the quake was located just 17 kilometers from Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, where entire neighbourhoods were left in ruins.

The earthquake has left a trail of destruction, severely damaging critical infrastructure:

• Sagaing Automobile Bridge: A key connector to Mandalay, the bridge has collapsed, further complicating relief operations.
• Mandalay Airport: Reports suggest the airport has sustained damage, though the full extent remains unclear.
• Mandalay University and Palace Wall: Historic structures, including the ancient Mandalay Palace wall, have been destroyed.
• Telecommunications Blackout: Mandalay, Sagaing, and Southern Shan State have experienced widespread internet and phone connectivity issues, severely limiting communication and coordination efforts.
• Humanitarian Impact: Many aid organizations, including the International Federation of Red Cross and ActionAid, have reported damage to their own offices and residences, leaving many of their staff and volunteers injured or displaced.

The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar, with tremors felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand – nearly 800 kilometers away. The tremors led to mass evacuations of high-rise buildings and caused a partially constructed skyscraper in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district to collapse, with an unknown number of workers inside.

Metro and light rail services in Bangkok were temporarily suspended for safety inspections, and the Thai Prime Minister has declared a state of emergency in the capital, urging residents to stay away from tall buildings due to the risk of aftershocks. Suvarnabhumi Airport has also warned of potential flight delays as authorities assess structural integrity.

Other countries, including India, China, and Bangladesh, reported tremors, causing panic among residents. Authorities in these regions have issued safety advisories and conducted structural assessments to prevent further damage or casualties.