Myanmar junta continues airstrikes amid earthquake devastation, drawing global condemnation

In the wake of a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, the military junta has continued its airstrike campaign against resistance-held areas, drawing sharp criticism from international bodies and human rights organizations. Despite widespread destruction and the urgent need for humanitarian aid, the military regime has intensified attacks, further exacerbating an already dire crisis.

What was the impact of the earthquake on Myanmar?

The earthquake’s epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar‘s second-largest city, causing widespread destruction across central and northern regions. Over 1,600 fatalities have been reported, with thousands injured and numerous individuals still missing. Critical infrastructure, including bridges, roads, hospitals, and communication networks, sustained significant damage, complicating rescue and relief efforts. The worst-hit areas include the Sagaing region, where much of the resistance to military rule is concentrated. Entire communities have been devastated, leaving survivors in desperate need of shelter, food, and medical assistance.

How has the military junta responded to the disaster?

Despite the natural disaster’s devastation, reports indicate that the military conducted multiple airstrikes in areas affected by the earthquake shortly after the quake. The UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Tom Andrews, condemned these actions as “completely outrageous and unacceptable,” emphasizing the incongruity of launching attacks amid rescue operations. The airstrikes reportedly targeted pro-democracy strongholds, including towns and villages already struggling with the aftermath of the quake.

In Naungcho, located in northern Shan state, an airstrike killed seven people just hours after the earthquake struck. In Chang-U township in northwestern Sagaing, aerial bombings targeted areas near the quake’s epicenter. Similar reports of military attacks have surfaced from regions close to the Thai border. These actions have further heightened fears that the junta is using the disaster as a means to consolidate power, attacking resistance groups while they are vulnerable.

What has been the international response to the junta’s actions?

International aid has begun to flow into Myanmar, with countries like China, India, Russia, and Thailand dispatching rescue teams and supplies. The United Nations allocated $5 million for immediate relief, while organizations such as World Vision and UNICEF have mobilized resources to assist the affected populations. However, access to certain regions remains challenging due to ongoing military operations and infrastructural damage.

Concerns have also been raised over the junta’s control of humanitarian aid. The military has been accused of using previous crises as opportunities to withhold aid from opposition-controlled areas, distributing supplies primarily to territories under its control. Human rights groups fear that the same pattern will be repeated, leaving thousands of civilians without essential relief.

What is the historical context of military actions during natural disasters in Myanmar?

The junta’s strategy of leveraging air power against opposition groups has been a consistent aspect of the ongoing civil conflict since the 2021 coup. The military has suffered significant territorial losses to pro-democracy and ethnic resistance forces, leading it to rely more heavily on airpower to counteract insurgent gains. The recent airstrikes, even in the face of a national disaster, highlight the regime’s prioritization of military objectives over humanitarian considerations.

This is not the first time Myanmar’s military has been accused of exploiting natural disasters for strategic gain. During Cyclone Nargis in 2008, the ruling generals were widely condemned for blocking international aid and controlling the distribution of relief supplies to maintain their grip on power. The current situation bears similarities, with growing fears that the military will use aid as a weapon, directing it toward loyalist areas while neglecting or outright denying support to opposition strongholds.

How are local communities coping with the compounded crises?

The resilience of Myanmar’s citizens is being severely tested as they navigate the compounded challenges of natural disaster and ongoing conflict. Many residents in Mandalay slept in the streets during the first night after the earthquake due to persistent aftershocks. Rescue efforts are hampered by infrastructural damage, with hospitals overwhelmed and some communities scrambling to mount rescue efforts with limited resources.

The National Unity Government (NUG), which represents the ousted civilian administration, announced a temporary two-week cessation of offensive military operations in the affected regions to facilitate humanitarian aid. However, the junta has shown no sign of reciprocating, continuing its aerial bombardments against resistance groups. Aid workers fear that ongoing military attacks will further delay relief efforts, putting thousands at risk.

The international community continues to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, urged all parties to lay down arms and prioritize the well-being of the affected populations.

What does the future hold for Myanmar amid this crisis?

As Myanmar struggles with the devastating consequences of the earthquake, the military’s continued attacks have deepened the country’s humanitarian crisis. With large parts of Sagaing now controlled by resistance forces, and nearly half of Myanmar’s territory in the hands of ethnic armies and opposition groups, the military’s reliance on airstrikes signals an increasingly desperate attempt to retain power.

International observers warn that without intervention, Myanmar faces a prolonged humanitarian catastrophe. The junta’s history of obstructing aid efforts raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of relief operations. Meanwhile, resistance forces continue to gain ground, despite the military’s aerial advantage. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether international pressure can force the junta to allow unrestricted humanitarian access and whether aid can reach those who need it most.