Bangkok/Mandalay, Myanmar, Apr 5 (EFE).— The ongoing conflict in Myanmar is severely hampering relief efforts after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake left at least 3,354 people dead and millions affected, the United Nations warned on Saturday, calling the destruction “overwhelming.”
The Myanmar opposition accused the ruling military junta of launching fresh airstrikes in earthquake-declared emergency zones, even as UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher reported widespread destruction of homes and livelihoods during his visit to the affected region.
In Bangkok, the worst-hit location outside Myanmar, rescue crews are still searching for nearly 80 people missing after a 30-story building collapsed.
Heavy machinery is being used to clear debris, but no signs of life have been found in the past 36 hours.
Fresh Offensives Despite Ceasefire Promise The opposition National Unity Government (NUG), which opposes the military junta that seized power in a 2021 coup, said the armed forces had carried out 68 air and artillery strikes in the past week.
This, despite the junta’s announcement on Wednesday of a three-week ceasefire to allow for faster aid delivery.
The NUG claimed the strikes killed 68 civilians, including a child and 15 women, with Mandalay and Sagaing, regions already declared disaster zones, among the hardest hit.
The junta, while affirming it would cease hostilities, said it reserved the right to respond if military bases, communication lines, or headquarters were targeted or if there were any attempts at territorial expansion.
Haider W. Yaqub, Myanmar director for Plan International, told EFE that the declared ceasefire presents a “valuable opportunity” to reach areas hardest hit by the quake, some of which had been off-limits to aid groups in recent months due to fighting.
Relief Operations Struggle to Keep Pace Fletcher, speaking from Mandalay after meetings with UN workers and NGOs, said the humanitarian response remains far below what is needed.
Although more than 100 tons of aid have reportedly entered the country, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the scale of the devastation far exceeds available resources.
The UN agency said the gap between needs and response was mainly due to extremely low funding, compounded by access and logistical difficulties.
As aid requests now exceed $160 million, OCHA announced it is preparing a new appeal for international donations.
Meanwhile, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) is seeking an additional $16 million to support those affected.
Thousands of Children Left Without Schools Plan International told EFE it was working to set up temporary learning centers to address the destruction of 1,130 schools, many of which were completely demolished.
“These centers will ensure educational continuity until permanent structures can be rebuilt,” the NGO said, adding that early learning and play-based activities will be included for younger children.
The organization stressed the need for psycho-social support to help both children and parents cope with trauma.
Thousands are still sleeping in the open or in makeshift shelters, scared of returning homes due to continued aftershocks, which were still being felt on Saturday, more than a week after the quake.
According to the junta, nearly 5,000 people have been injured and thousands of buildings, including hospitals, bridges, temples, and schools, have been destroyed.
“Humanitarian organizations are making a positive difference,” said Yaqub, despite the mounting challenges. EFE
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