Last Friday's 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has killed at least 2,700 people, turned buildings and bridges to rubble, and reshaped the civil war that has raged in the country since 2021.
The epicentre of the earthquake was close to Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The quake was felt in China, Vietnam, and Thailand; the tremors toppled an unfinished building in Bangkok, killing dozens.
Economic losses from the earthquake could exceed Myanmar’s current GDP.
More aid needed
Foreign aid has started to flow into Myanmar: China sent US$13.9 million in assistance, while the Philippines dispatched a 114-member response team. Washington, which recently dismantled USAID, contributed US$2 million to recovery efforts.
The ruling military junta reportedly rejected Taiwan’s offer to assist in search and rescue efforts. For years, Beijing has helped to prop up the junta, supplying military jets, drones, tanks, and technical assistance, and offering up to US$3 billion in loans.
Canada’s caretaker convention, in place for the duration of the federal election campaign, seems to have prevented Ottawa from issuing aid to Myanmar. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said Monday that, if elected, his government would “cut back” on foreign aid.
Junta, opposition agree to ceasefire
The earthquake may limit conflict in affected areas as both sides rebuild. On Tuesday, a rebel alliance fighting against the military junta announced a unilateral ceasefire, ceasing “offensive operations” for at least a month. Myanmar’s democratic shadow government, the National Unity Government, also announced a two-week pause.
On Wednesday, the junta — after bombing rebel-held positions in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake — endorsed a ceasefire extending until April 22. The junta’s headquarters in Naypyidaw was splintered by the earthquake.
