Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:23
The government is expediting damage assessments and providing immediate assistance to earthquake-affected areas as part of ongoing relief efforts.
Myanmar has also opened channels for international humanitarian aid, and rescue teams, medical personnel, and aid supplies from Malaysia, Thailand, and Russia have arrived to support those in need.
Nay Pyi Taw Tatmadaw Airport admitted search and rescue teams including humanitarian aid supplies and medical equipment along with doctors and nurses from Malaysia and Thai rescue teams. Russia also sent search and rescue teams, medical personnel, four rescue dogs and relief supplies.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement welcomed the arriving teams. These teams will now be deployed to affected areas to carry out search and rescue missions and provide medical care.
Humanitarian aid and medical supplies from China and Belarus were also expected to arrive in Myanmar in the evening.
MNA/KZL
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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:23
Ayeyawady Foundation, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, has opened two temporary hospitals in Mandalay to assist those affected by the recent earthquake.
A 50-bed facility, including 12 HDU beds was launched at Mandalay General Hospital on 6 April. A larger 150-bed hospital with 6 HDU beds was also opened at Kandawnadi General Hospital on 8 April.
Both hospitals are equipped with patient beds, HDU units, air-conditioning systems, medical equipment, fire extinguishers, mobile toilets and rest areas for healthcare workers. Medical teams are actively providing treatment.
To expand support, the foundation also plans to construct two additional 100-bed hospitals — each in Mandalay and Sagaing — bringing the total number of temporary hospital beds to 400.
Ko Nyi Lay/KZL
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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:21
The National Disaster Management Committee and the News and Information Work Committee meeting was held at the Ministry of Information in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn, who is also Chair of the News and Information Work Committee, said the media sector is more important during the outbreak of natural disasters than at normal times. Currently, it is crucial to eliminate fake news and misinformation through the media and to issue awareness programmes on natural disasters, damage and losses, rescue operations, rehabilitation efforts, and messages of support from international countries, promptly. It is vital for both the government and the public to have access to accurate and reliable information. The committee members also should continuously monitor the statements related to natural disasters and work together to carry out the necessary actions promptly.
Deputy Minister U Ye Tint briefed the international aid, damage, rescue operations, video, news and records of rescue and rehabilitation processes.
The attendees then discussed the matters related to activities of the National Disaster Management Committee, educational programmes on disasters, weather reports, communication sector, injuries, damage, losses and death tolls, and international cooperation to ensure the access the drinking water.
After the meeting, the Union minister and party presented the donated relief items to the quake-affected staff of the Ministry of Information.
At noon, the Union minister received a Chinese delegation led by Minister Counsellor Dr Zheng Zheng of the Embassy of China in Myanmar Dr Zheng Zheng at the temporary office building of the ministry and discussed the damage after the powerful earthquake, Chinese humanitarian assistance to quake victims and further bilateral cooperation.
Afterwards the Union minister and party inspected the construction of relief camps for staff by the UAB foundation at Dhana Theikdi stadium in Zabuthiri township, food, access to electricity and clean water, and a location to establish
MNA/KTZH
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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:20
Despite causing damage in Sagaing, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, and Shan State (South) on 28 March, the earthquake that struck Myanmar left the pagodas and stupas in the Bagan region, home to Myanmar’s ancient cultural heritage, unaffected, a fact that brought happiness to people across the country.
Myanmar has experienced its second largest earthquake in history, after the Bago earthquake in 1930 (magnitude 7.3-7.5), the Sagaing earthquake in 1946 (magnitude 8.0), the Sagaing earthquake in 1956 (magnitude 7.1), the Bagan earthquake in 1975 (magnitude 6.5), and the Shwebo earthquake in 2012 (magnitude 6.8).
“At 12:50 pm on 28 March, an earthquake struck, causing the Htilominlo Pagoda to shake, though it sustained no structural damage, only some internal wall damage,” stated U Tin Hla Oo, secretary of the Htilo Minlo Pagoda board of trustees.
“It is remarkable and gratifying that no other pagodas or structures in the Bagan region were damaged in this earthquake. While I feel sad for those in the affected areas, it is especially fortunate that the famous pagodas, irreplaceable ancient heritages were spared. This is a great joy not only for Myanmar but also for Asia,” he added.
In the ancient cultural area of Bagan, the most popular pagodas among both domestic and foreign tourists were undamaged by the 28 March earthquake.
“Having experienced earthquakes in Bagan before, we immediately take necessary actions when one strikes, primarily by observing the Holy Umbrella of the pagoda, which was affected in a past earthquake. This time, only the diamond orb shook slightly, and it is a blessing that none of the famous pagodas in Bagan sustained any damage,” stated U Thein Aung, Chairman of the Shwezigon Pagoda board of trustees.
The earthquake was followed by several smaller aftershocks on the same day. While no pagodas in the Bagan cultural area were damaged, a small crack occurred in the wall of the Pyathetgyi Pagoda.
Thitsa (MNA)/TH
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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:18
By Laura Htet (UDE)
The earth has stopped shaking in Myanmar, but the effects of the massive earthquake linger like a heavy cloud. Homes are gone, families are torn apart, and every single person feels the weight of it – some with bruises and cuts, others with aching hearts. People are tired, physically and emotionally, barely hanging on. Yet, we can’t give up now. The survivors need us to keep going, to look ahead, and to get ready for what’s coming. If we just react without planning, our efforts will be messy and weak – like trying to scoop water with a leaky bucket. Right now, we need to focus on the health problems that might hit us next and figure out how to face them together.
Imagine the aftermath: rubble everywhere, people hurt and waiting for help. Some have broken bones or deep cuts. Others were trapped under debris, their bodies crushed, or they’d hit their heads hard enough to feel dizzy and lost. Spinal injuries steal the ability to move, while burns or electric shocks leave painful marks. These injuries can be serious – sometimes even deadly – and they’re often the first big danger after an earthquake. At first, the shock might hide the pain, but now it’s impossible to ignore. Then there’s the water and food – or the lack of it. With no clean water and trash piling up, sickness starts to spread. Diarrhoea creeps in fast when people drink or eat something bad. Crowded camps mean coughs and colds pass around easily. Dirty surroundings turn small cuts into nasty infections, and skin problems pop up without proper washing. Worse still, rats, mosquitoes, and flies show up in swarms, bringing diseases like dengue, malaria, or even something as scary as elephantiasis.
The weather doesn’t help, either. In central Myanmar, the sun blazes down, especially on those with no roof over their heads. It’s so hot that people faint from heatstroke, their muscles cramp, or they just feel too weak to move. Food goes bad quickly in the heat, and pests love that – spreading more trouble. The longer it stays this hot, the harder it gets to cope. But the deepest scars might not show on the outside. Losing loved ones and watching everything crumble leaves people shaken in a way that’s hard to describe. Aftershocks keep the fear alive, and some feel sad, empty, or confused. Others can’t sleep, startled awake by bad dreams or memories of the ground splitting open. Over time, this could turn into something bigger – like post-traumatic stress – where worry or numbness takes over. Grief sits heavy, and it might stay for months.
So, what can we do? Right after the quake, the focus is on saving people. Rescue teams need to rush in, pulling survivors from the wreckage and treating their wounds. We should set up temporary clinics and send out mobile medical groups with bandages, medicines, and whatever else they need. Skilled helpers might be few, so why not teach regular folks some basics – like how to stop bleeding or support a broken arm? It’s simple stuff that could save lives. More treatment spots would help, too, all stocked and ready. But it can’t be chaos. We need a clear plan to share supplies and donations fairly, so no one’s left out. This isn’t something one person can fix alone – it takes everyone working together, following a system that makes sense and keeps us connected.
Food and cleanliness matter just as much. Bad water and rotting food make people sick, and trash everywhere only adds to the problem. We need clean water – maybe with purifiers or bottles – and safe food to eat. Everyone should help keep things tidy, tossing garbage where it belongs so it can be cleared away. That one step could stop a lot of stomach bugs. Little things like soap, hand sanitizer, mosquito nets, and salts to mix with water can go a long way. If bugs or rats get out of hand, we’ll need to fight back – spraying them away and cleaning up the mess. It’s not fancy, but it keeps us healthier.
The heat is another battle. People can’t survive under that sun without shade. Shelters have to go up – not just for a day or two, but until homes are rebuilt. Fans, even handheld ones, or cool clothes can ease the heat, along with plenty of water and salt to keep people going. Random donations won’t fix this – we need groups to team up and make a real plan. Without that, the heat will wear everyone down, bit by bit.
Then there’s the emotional side. A kind word or a helping hand can lift someone’s spirits when they’re drowning in sadness. But we need more than quick comfort. Healing those hidden hurts takes time. Hotlines where people can talk, one-on-one chats with counsellors, or even group sessions could make a difference. Gathering for prayers or small acts of kindness can remind everyone they’re not alone. The survivors have lost so much – homes, loved ones – but we can surround them with care and support. It’s about holding each other up, even when everything else has fallen.
As I think about all this, I see Myanmar not just as a place of ruin, but as a land of stubborn hope. The earthquake knocked us down, no question about it. But falling isn’t the end – it’s where we start climbing. Every bandage we tie, every sip of clean water we share, every shoulder we offer to lean on builds something stronger than what we lost. These health challenges are tough, but they’re not unbeatable. Together, we’re stitching a new story – not of a country crushed, but of people who refused to stay broken. It’s messy, it’s hard, but it’s ours. And in the end, that’s what matters: not the cracks beneath our feet, but the hands reaching out to pull us through. That’s Myanmar – shaken, yes, but standing tall again, step by step, heart by heart.
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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:17
In the 2025-2026 fiscal year’s budget of the State, provisions have been made to support the overall development of the nation by allocating funds for education. This includes stipends for students pursuing knowledge and technical skills, as well as providing allowances for teachers based on their attained degrees. Such stipends and allowances show the recognition of the government for the efforts of those students and teachers in their respective fields.
The expenses required for the expansion and establishment of agricultural and livestock universities to enhance the development of the agriculture and livestock sector. Moreover, it is also found that the expenses include the costs for the construction of roads and bridges to improve transportation and infrastructure development, including electrification.
An emergency fund of K200 billion has been allocated at the Union level for disaster prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts, as well as livelihood and administrative matters for displaced persons. Moreover, K15 billion has been allocated for regions and states, including the Nay Pyi Taw Council Area.
Hence, priority must be given to conducting operations of rescue, relief and rehabilitation for earthquake victims in quake-affected areas where the Government has declared a state of emergency to provide necessary aid for the victims in time. In his speech, the Head of State said that the government has opened all possible channels to receive international assistance. Moreover, the public has been urged to provide aid as much support as possible for the ongoing rescue efforts needed due to the impact of this earthquake.
International organizations now provide relief supplies for quake victims. Search and rescue operations are being conducted in the affected areas. Efficient use of the fund must be beneficial for the victims to curb waste. If so, the lives of those victims will improve soon and they will be able to escape from the lives of victims to stand tall in society.
Now is the best time for all. So, the budget allocation of the government will flow into the relevant sectors while international donor countries and organizations will provide aid for the quake victims to improve their lives thanks to the government’s approval. Efforts of both sides are expected to leverage up the rehabilitation operations for the victims in the affected areas while this assistance needs to be granted to the people from the areas of the state of emergency indirectly. It is because not only real victims but people all over the country are suffering the impacts of the terrible earthquake.
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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:15
Following the recent severe earthquake, many residents and staff have been temporarily displaced from their homes and buildings. The relevant ministry has ordered the distribution of temporary shelters to provide immediate relief. The construction of temporary hygienic toilets is necessary to maintain public health and cleanliness. To ensure access to clean drinking water, the government is distributing purified water and seeking assistance from international sources to obtain water purification equipment.
As people endure significant loss and damage, it is crucial to provide psychological support and emotional relief to those affected. Myanmar is prone to various natural disasters, with earthquakes being a recurring hazard. Over the past century, the country has experienced 18 major earthquakes with magnitudes of 6 or higher on the Richter scale. The most powerful was the 1912 PyinOoLwin earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 8. The recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake is now recorded as the second strongest in Myanmar’s history.
The earthquake that struck Sagaing on 28 March caused severe damage and loss of life. If it had occurred at night, when most people were asleep, the casualties could have been significantly higher. Despite the devastation, the timing mitigated an even greater tragedy. By 5 April, the reported toll had reached over 8,600 people affected: 3,455 dead, 4,840 injured, and 214 missing.
The destruction of infrastructure is extensive. A total of 5,223 buildings, 1,824 schools, and 2,752 monasteries and nunneries were destroyed. Furthermore, 4,817 pagodas and 167 hospitals and clinics were damaged. Transportation networks, including railways and roads connecting Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, and Mandalay, also sustained damage, along with multiple train stations. In total, 169 bridges, 198 dams and irrigation facilities, and 184 sections of expressways were affected.
Beyond the physical loss of homes and property, survivors are grappling with the emotional trauma of losing loved ones – parents, children, family members, and relatives. Comprehensive support is essential to help them recover and rebuild their lives. In the process of providing and donating supplies, carrying out activities according to one’s own plan without informing the relevant regional government organizations may lead to undesirable administrative issues. Therefore, it is necessary to act according to the designated procedures.
Effective and transparent management of aid distribution is vital to ensure that all intended recipients receive the support they need. In line with the Head of State’s directives, it is essential to prioritize the rapid delivery of aid, swift debris removal, timely repair of damaged buildings, and the ongoing implementation of rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in an efficient and coordinated manner.
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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:12
China plans to donate emergency humanitarian aid worth 100 million yuan to be spent on conducting rescue and relief for earthquake victims, according to a rescue official.
The Chinese government decided to donate 100 million yuan worth of emergency humanitarian aid such as tents, blankets, emergency medication packages, food and tanks for drinking water to Myanmar. The first batch of the rescue squad arrived in Yangon on 29 March, and the squad brought a total of 112 emergency rescue items including life detectors, earthquake early warning systems, portable satellites and drones.
Another rescue team from Yunnan Province arrived in Yangon earliest, and they will send relief supplies of the Chinese government in the first batch on 31 March. Currently, the Yunnan rescue and medical team is working together with Myanmar’s rescue teams in Nay Pyi Taw. At around 4 am yesterday, approximately 36 hours after the earthquake, they successfully rescued an elderly woman trapped inside the Ottarathiri General Hospital. Moreover, China will continuously dispatch more aid to Myanmar.
ASH/TTA
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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:09
The Ayeyawady Foundation is actively involved in relief operations following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar on 28 March.
The foundation has deployed 30 heavy machinery units, including 100-tonne and 35-tonne mobile cranes, excavators, wheel loaders, dump trucks, mini excavators and water bowsers to assist in rescue and relief operations in Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Aungban and other areas.
In turn, Max Energy stations in Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Taunggyi and Heho are providing free fuel for rescue vehicles and ambulances. The Ayeyawady Foundation, in collaboration with Max Myanmar Group and AYA Financial Group, will continue supporting relief and rescue efforts for those affected by the earthquake.
Shine Htet Zaw/KZL
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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:09
The government of Myanmar has swiftly conducted damage assessments in earthquake-affected areas and is carrying out timely rescue operations. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid from overseas is being received for the people affected by the earthquake. The aid materials, donated by the Australian government arrived yesterday morning at Yangon International Airport.
The shipment, weighing 37,415 kilogramme, includes solar-powered lights, household items and medical supplies. Upon arrival at the airport, the materials were received by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and representatives from the Australian Embassy in Myanmar, including Chargé d’Affaires Ms Angela Jane Corcoran and Deputy Country Director of the WFP in Yangon Ms Sheela Matthew.
The aid materials were then loaded onto vehicles by Tatmadaw men, staff from the Yangon City Development Committee and domestic cargo workers for transportation to WFP storage facilities in the BOC compound in Hlinethaya Township.
MNA/KZL
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