The military junta in Myanmar has kept its ban on international journalists, even after a devastating earthquake caused widespread destruction and loss of life. The junta cited safety concerns for foreign media as the reason for the ban, which comes amid ongoing conflicts with rebel forces in the region.
The earthquake struck on Friday, hitting the southeastern part of Myanmar hard. Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, was particularly affected. The largest monastery in Mandalay, which once featured a prominent clock tower, has been completely destroyed. Satellite images and social media posts are now crucial for understanding the extent of the damage, as many areas remain inaccessible to outside observers.
In Sagaing, near the earthquake’s epicenter, reports indicate that buildings have collapsed, and bridges have fallen. However, the lack of available satellite imagery means that the full scale of the destruction is still unclear. Videos shared online show flattened structures and chaotic scenes, but many regions are still waiting for help.
In an unusual move, the military leaders have called for international assistance following the disaster. Countries like Russia, India, and China quickly responded. A Russian plane delivered rescuers and supplies to affected areas, while China sent over 135 rescue workers and pledged nearly $14 million in emergency aid. However, concerns remain about how fairly this aid will be distributed.
Morgan Michaels, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, highlighted that historically, military regimes often restrict aid access as a tactic against insurgencies. In Myanmar, 265 groups have urged that aid be directed to civil organizations and resistance groups instead of the junta, raising fears that the military may block assistance to certain areas.
Khin Ohmar, a spokesperson for the coalition of groups, expressed worry that aid is not reaching those in dire need, especially in Sagaing, which was severely impacted. She noted that international rescue efforts are not effectively reaching the people who need them most, particularly as the junta continues military operations in the region.
The situation is complicated by ongoing civil conflict, making it difficult for aid organizations to operate. The areas hardest hit by the earthquake, including Sagaing and Mandalay, are also sites of heavy fighting. Rebel groups have called for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery, but violence has persisted, with reports of airstrikes continuing even after the quake.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, hoping for a coordinated response that prioritizes the needs of the affected populations.