Seven days after a devastating earthquake struck Turkey in 2023, French volunteers successfully used a suitcase-size radar to locate a survivor trapped under rubble, highlighting the device's role in saving lives following the disaster.
The same group of volunteers was dispatched to Myanmar after a powerful earthquake last month caused significant destruction, including the leveling of buildings, bridges, and centuries-old temples. However, they faced delays at immigration control in Yangon, remaining stuck for over a day before entering the country. Unfortunately, the authorities announced the end of search and rescue operations the following day, resulting in the volunteers returning home without finding any survivors.
In a surprising move, Myanmar’s military government called for international assistance in response to the earthquake that occurred on March 28 and declared a cease-fire against rebels amid an ongoing civil war. However, aid groups and volunteers reported that international relief has not reached the affected population as quickly as needed, attributing the delays to the junta's restrictions on aid distribution. Additionally, a climate of fear persists, as the military has resumed airstrikes on rebel areas despite the cease-fire and has reportedly fired on aid workers.
Sezer Ozgan, a volunteer with the French nonprofit L’Espoir du peuple A.R.S.I., expressed frustration, stating, “Nothing was reasonable on the ground.” Myanmar, already suffering from the effects of war, is now grappling with the aftermath of the earthquake, which has resulted in an official death toll exceeding 3,500, with many more injured. The full extent of the devastation remains difficult to assess due to damaged infrastructure and communication systems.
Many individuals have been rendered homeless, with some too fearful to return to their damaged homes, forcing them to sleep outdoors. They are enduring regular aftershocks in the oppressive pre-monsoon heat and must queue for daily rations provided by local aid organizations.
The government’s disarray, with many buildings in the capital Naypyidaw damaged, has contributed to the delays in aid delivery. The military's announcement that all assistance would be coordinated by them has raised concerns among aid groups, which have long faced challenges in obtaining travel authorizations.
Following the junta's seizure of power in 2021, a disaster management fund was nearly depleted as funds were redirected for agricultural initiatives. Historical precedents, such as the military's response to Cyclone Nargis in 2008, where they blocked emergency aid, have left a lasting impact on the trust between aid organizations and the government.
Despite decades of brutal military rule, the people of Myanmar have shown resilience and solidarity. However, local volunteers are increasingly apprehensive. Phoe Thar, a volunteer rescue worker in Mandalay, noted a decrease in his nighttime activities due to fears of forced conscription by the military.
Equality Myanmar, a human rights organization, reported nearly 100 cases of forced conscription since the earthquake, suggesting the disaster has been exploited by the military for recruitment purposes. Kiran Verma, an Indian volunteer, described his experience at a military checkpoint, feeling scared and leaving the quake zone after three days.
Critics argue that the military could be doing more to assist. Ko Min Htet, a volunteer in Mandalay, observed that few soldiers were engaged in clearing debris, suggesting they should prioritize helping the affected population instead of idly using their phones at disaster sites.
Some potential volunteers are hesitant to return to cities like Mandalay and Yangon, which were severely impacted by the earthquake. Min Han, a physician who fled to rebel-held territory, expressed a desire to help but acknowledged the risks of returning under the current regime.
Richard Horsey, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, stated that the junta's primary focus is on regime survival rather than the welfare of the country and its citizens, characterizing their response to the earthquake as marked by “chaos rather than malice.”
Lynn Maung, who was sheltering in a tent with his three children near the historic Mandalay Palace, faced further challenges when torrential rains and winds destroyed their tent without any prior weather warning. He criticized the military's handling of the situation, stating, “The way the military junta is handling things is like trying to treat a cancer patient with castor oil.”