Inadequate Rescue and Aid Efforts as Death Toll Surpasses 2,000

 

Myanmar Spring Chronicle – March 31 Scene
MoeMaKa, April 1, 2025

Inadequate Rescue and Aid Efforts as Death Toll Surpasses 2,000

As the third day passes since the devastating earthquake struck Myanmar, hope for rescuing survivors trapped under the rubble is fading fast. The lack of sufficient rescue personnel, equipment, and machinery has become heartbreakingly apparent.

Social media has been flooded with desperate pleas for help, posts announcing the loss of loved ones, and stories of families forced to sleep on roadsides due to fear of aftershocks—despite their homes still standing. These accounts are painful and emotionally devastating to read.

Even on the third day, there are still many locations where the bodies of those killed remain trapped under collapsed buildings, yet to be recovered. In Mandalay and Sagaing, the smell of decomposing bodies is reportedly spreading near the wreckage.

Under the sweltering heat of 38–40°C, the bodies of the deceased are rapidly decomposing, releasing strong odors. Though some experienced international rescue teams with proper equipment began arriving in cities like Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw on the second day, the scale of the disaster means that the aid provided remains far below what is needed. In cities like Mandalay and across the river in Sagaing, international teams only began rescue efforts on March 31. Until then, rescue efforts were carried out by local volunteer organizations with limited tools and machines.

While international rescue teams were able to reach Mandalay, they have yet to reach cities like Sagaing in a timely manner.

Because Myanmar has not faced a natural disaster of this scale in recent memory, there is little knowledge about proper rescue procedures or equipment needs. Meanwhile, the current ruling military leaders prioritize power preservation above all else. Although massive earthquakes like this only occur once every 80–100 years, people are left to suffer without support—an unsurprising but still tragic reality. For many, this is a nightmare that will leave deep psychological scars for a lifetime.

Myanmar’s people are known for their resilience in times of adversity, but the scale and reach of this disaster have left many shaken and overwhelmed. Although the quake may have lasted only a minute or two, its impact will last for months and years. The physical destruction, loss of family members, and mental trauma will not be easy to heal.

Despite government buildings—including military offices in Nay Pyi Taw—being destroyed and the administrative apparatus unable to function properly, the regime continues to operate in unaffected areas. Even after the earthquake, it has continued its infamous airstrikes, which, while no longer shocking to locals, are being widely reported by international media.

Some reports indicate that military meetings are being held in makeshift tents outside their damaged buildings, as military offices have become unusable due to structural collapse.

The military’s role in rescue operations has been almost nonexistent. Most of the military forces remain stationed in conflict zones or areas under tension, and are absent from civilian rescue missions. Another factor is the mutual distrust between the public and the military—the two sides are essentially at odds.

As of March 31, the junta’s official websites remain inaccessible, suggesting that their administrative infrastructure has been significantly impacted.

Even as more international rescue teams arrive, the number of casualties continues to rise. As of the evening of March 31, the official death toll had exceeded 2,000, with over 3,900 injured and more than 270 still missing. In disaster-hit regions like Mandalay, Sagaing, Kyaukse, and Pyin Oo Lwin, civilian government offices are not functioning, and the real number of casualties may be much higher than reported.

While various countries have sent rescue teams and financial aid, noticeable differences in support levels have emerged. Neighboring countries and Britain—a former colonial power in Myanmar—have provided relatively large-scale assistance, whereas the United States, under current President Trump, has provided only $2 million in aid.

This suggests that the U.S. has deprioritized Myanmar, showing less concern or interest compared to its strong focus on issues in Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, and Taiwan-China. This sends a clear signal that Myanmar should not expect major political changes or international influence through U.S. support.