MANDALAY — The aftermath of the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28 continues to unfold, with the death toll climbing to 3,354, according to updated figures released by state media. An additional 4,850 people have been injured and 220 remain missing in what is now one of Southeast Asia’s most devastating natural disasters in recent years.
The quake, whose epicenter lay near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, has left a trail of destruction across central regions, displacing tens of thousands and leveling entire villages. As search-and-rescue efforts stretch into their second week, the United Nations has issued a global appeal for urgent humanitarian assistance.
UN and Neighboring Nations Respond
During a visit to the quake zone, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher described the scale of destruction as “staggering,” sharing on social media platform X: “Lives lost. Homes destroyed. Livelihoods shattered. But the resilience is incredible. The world must rally behind the people of Myanmar.”
Fletcher toured heavily damaged areas in and around Mandalay, where local volunteers continue to dig through rubble amid shortages of medical supplies, food, and clean water.
Neighboring countries have stepped in swiftly. China and India have sent emergency medical teams, temporary shelters, and food parcels. Thailand, Laos, and Singapore have coordinated airlifts of rescue personnel and relief cargo. ASEAN activated its disaster response mechanisms, including the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre), to streamline aid distribution.
U.S. Support Mired in Funding Cuts
The United States, previously the world’s largest humanitarian donor to Myanmar, has pledged US$9 million for quake recovery efforts. However, response capacity has been hindered by internal restructuring and reductions in the USAID program, which has seen many aid workers laid off even after arriving on the ground.
A former USAID official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that multiple personnel were notified of job losses after reaching the disaster zone. This has disrupted coordination with local NGOs and delayed the rollout of aid, compounding challenges in remote regions.
Despite the operational hurdles, U.S.-funded NGOs and UN agencies remain active in several high-impact areas, including Sagaing, Magway, and Shan State, where access remains limited due to landslides and damaged infrastructure.
Ongoing Challenges: Access and Aftershocks
Complicating relief efforts are a series of aftershocks—including a 5.2-magnitude tremor recorded on March 31—that have hampered rescue operations and left residents fearful of returning to partially collapsed homes.
Road access to many villages has been severed, and communications infrastructure remains patchy, particularly in rural and conflict-affected zones. Aid convoys are relying on airlifts and improvised river routes to reach isolated communities.
UN agencies have warned of potential secondary crises, including disease outbreaks, food insecurity, and long-term displacement. Nearly 1 million people are estimated to be in urgent need of shelter, medical care, and psychosocial support.
Hope Amid Ruins
Despite the bleak conditions, stories of survival and solidarity have emerged. In Mandalay, Buddhist monks have opened temple grounds to shelter families. Local tech groups have set up emergency communication hubs using satellite phones. Students, farmers, and civil society volunteers have formed grassroots aid networks in absence of coordinated state response in some areas.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
With monsoon season approaching, international agencies warn that time is critical to rebuild temporary shelters and prevent further humanitarian deterioration. The UN has outlined a US $75 million emergency appeal to support life-saving operations over the next three months.
As Myanmar grapples with the enormity of its loss, global attention is turning to how sustained and coordinated the international response will be—particularly in light of geopolitical tensions and reduced Western engagement with the country’s military-led government.
For now, one thing remains clear: Myanmar’s people, resilient but battered, need the world’s solidarity more than ever. (zai)