Myanmar Faces Dual Crises: Earthquake Recovery Amid Civil War

On March 28, 2023, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, claiming over 3,800 lives and leaving communities in ruins. This disaster unfolded against the backdrop of an ongoing civil war, complicating recovery efforts and exacerbating humanitarian needs across the nation.

In Mandalay, Thae Mama Swe, a 47-year-old seamstress, stands on the rubble of what was once a ten-story condominium and office building, watching excavators clear debris. Her son was inside when the structure collapsed. “If it were possible, I would exchange my life for his,” she said, tears mixing with the monsoon rain as she recalls the tragedy that has altered her life forever.

Recovery Efforts Amid Ongoing Violence

During a recent visit to the affected areas, the Associated Press observed the struggle to rebuild essential infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and schools, while armed conflict continues to rage. The military regime, which took control from the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, permitted AP reporters into the disaster zone in Naypyitaw and Mandalay, both under military control, yet the situation remains precarious.

Although a ceasefire was announced following the earthquake, reports indicate that military airstrikes and artillery attacks have persisted, often targeting civilian areas. Tom Andrews, the U.N.-appointed human rights expert for Myanmar, highlighted that these attacks have impeded humanitarian aid delivery, leaving millions in need of assistance. Before the earthquake, the United Nations estimated that over 3.5 million people were already displaced due to the ongoing conflict, with 20 million requiring urgent help.

The military, known as the Tatmadaw, denies obstructing aid and argues that its military actions are defensive in nature. Zaw Tun Oo, head of the protocol department at the Myanmar Foreign Ministry, stated, “We are only doing it in self-defense when the enemy comes and attacks us.” However, many aid organizations remain silent on the issue, constrained by the need for government approval to operate.

Infrastructure Challenges and Economic Strain

The earthquake’s destruction of infrastructure has significantly complicated recovery efforts. Key facilities, including hospitals and schools, have either been damaged or completely destroyed. On the main highway connecting Yangon and Mandalay, toppled temples and broken roads serve as stark reminders of the earthquake’s impact. In response, military engineers have built temporary bridges, but ongoing violence poses additional challenges to safe reconstruction.

According to official statistics, nearly 29,000 homes, 5,000 Buddhist pagodas, and 43 bridges in the Mandalay region have been damaged or destroyed. The ongoing conflict and Western sanctions have further strained Myanmar’s economy, limiting resources for rebuilding and causing significant shortages of supplies. Recent cuts to U.S. foreign aid have left many organizations struggling to meet the pressing humanitarian needs.

Despite the dire circumstances, recovery efforts continue. At the parliament complex in Naypyitaw, crews are working tirelessly to repair significant buildings ahead of elections planned for December. Critics argue that these elections are an attempt to legitimize military rule, particularly following the dissolution of the National League for Democracy party, which had won a landslide victory in the 2020 elections.

Meanwhile, teams of workers, primarily women, are laboring by hand to repair roads across the capital. Aye Min Thu, chief of the Mandalay division of Myanmar’s disaster management agency, emphasized the need for international assistance to build earthquake-resistant structures, stating, “With that assistance, we can build a resilient society.”

At the site of one of Mandalay’s largest hospitals, only twisted metal and debris remain. The engineer overseeing the project, Thin Thin Swe, mourned the loss of her friends who perished when the hospital’s lobby collapsed. “I still pray for them every day,” she reflected.

As recovery efforts painstakingly progress, the emotional toll on families like that of Thae Mama Swe is profound. “I will never give up hope for [my son’s] body,” she expressed, underscoring the deep cultural significance of recovering remains for Buddhist rituals. Her determination to find closure mirrors the broader struggle of Myanmar as it grapples with the dual crises of natural disaster and civil unrest.