What's happened
As Myanmar celebrates the Thingyan festival, the mood is somber in Mandalay and Sagaing, devastated by a recent earthquake. With over 3,600 dead and thousands displaced, families struggle to find joy amid destruction and ongoing humanitarian needs. The military junta has restricted festivities, further dampening spirits.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- The Thingyan festival, usually a time of joy, is overshadowed by tragedy this year.
- Survivors are living in makeshift camps, lacking basic necessities like clean water and sanitation.
Humanitarian Crisis
- The UN has issued an emergency plea for $275 million to aid recovery efforts.
- The World Food Programme is forced to cut aid to one million people due to funding shortages.
Military Response
- The ruling junta's restrictions on festival celebrations reflect a broader strategy to control public sentiment.
- Despite a declared ceasefire, military actions continue, complicating humanitarian efforts.
Future Outlook
- The combination of natural disaster and ongoing conflict will likely exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, requiring sustained international attention and support.
What the papers say
According to The New Arab, the festival's atmosphere is heavy with grief, as families like that of Ma Phyu express their sorrow over the inability to celebrate. She stated, "I don’t see any way that they can be happy." The South China Morning Post echoed this sentiment, highlighting the lack of joy and the junta's restrictions on music and dance during the festival. The Japan Times reported on the dire living conditions, with many survivors still in tent encampments and lacking basic amenities. The UN's emergency plea for funds underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, as the World Food Programme warns of aid cuts due to dwindling donations. This multifaceted crisis illustrates the intersection of natural disaster and ongoing political turmoil in Myanmar.
How we got here
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28, 2025, caused widespread destruction in central Myanmar, particularly in Mandalay and Sagaing. The disaster has left over two million people in need of assistance, compounding existing humanitarian crises stemming from ongoing civil conflict since the 2021 coup.
Go deeper
- What are the living conditions like for survivors?
- How is the international community responding to the crisis?
- What are the long-term implications of the earthquake?
More on these topics
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Sagaing is the former capital of the Sagaing Region of Myanmar. It is located in the Irrawaddy River, 20 km to the south-west of Mandalay on the opposite bank of the river.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.