An armed resistance group in Myanmar has accused the military government of launching airstrikes on civilian areas following a devastating earthquake. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.7, struck near Mandalay around 12:50 PM local time on Friday. This disaster comes amid an ongoing civil war that has plagued Myanmar since the military coup in 2021.
Reports indicate that over 1,700 people have died, with 3,400 injured and around 300 still missing. These numbers may rise, as the US Geological Survey suggests fatalities could reach up to 10,000. The earthquake’s destruction has severely hampered rescue and relief efforts, which are complicated by the ongoing conflict in the country.
The Karen National Union (KNU), one of Myanmar’s oldest ethnic armed groups, stated that the military junta is continuing airstrikes even as the population suffers from the earthquake’s aftermath. They criticized the military for not prioritizing relief efforts and instead focusing on military actions against its own people. The Free Burma Rangers, a relief organization, reported that military jets conducted airstrikes and drone attacks in Karen state shortly after the quake.
The junta has not officially confirmed these airstrikes. The earthquake’s epicenter was in a region controlled by the military, but it also affected areas held by armed resistance groups. In response to the disaster, the opposition National Unity Government announced that anti-junta militias would halt offensive actions for two weeks.
Experts have noted that while some anti-junta forces have paused their offensives, fighting continues in other regions. Richard Horsey, a senior adviser at Crisis Group, highlighted that the military has not provided visible support in the affected areas. Local fire brigades and community organizations are stepping up, but military assistance has been notably absent.
The junta has sought international help for the earthquake, but the country’s inaccessibility poses significant challenges for aid efforts. Initial reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicate severe damage to health facilities and a critical shortage of medical supplies.
Countries like India, China, and Thailand have begun sending relief materials, while the UK government announced a £10 million aid package for Myanmar. As rescue teams slowly reach the hardest-hit areas, many remain inaccessible due to damaged infrastructure and ongoing conflict.
The earthquake is considered one of the strongest in Myanmar in a century, with financial losses potentially exceeding the country’s annual economic output. The situation remains dire, as many people are still trapped under rubble, and the chances of survival diminish with each passing hour.