In Myanmar, the aftermath of a 7.7-magnitude earthquake has been compounded by the military’s relentless air strikes targeting civilians, according to Amnesty International. The organisation implores the military to halt these inhumane attacks, allowing rapid aid to reach those desperately in need. Joe Freeman, Amnesty’s Myanmar researcher, emphasises that humanitarian needs must take precedence over military actions.
The earthquake has already resulted in over 2,000 fatalities and nearly 4,000 injuries, with communication issues raising fears of further casualties. Affected areas include Sagaing, Mandalay, Naypyitaw, Shan State, and Bago Region. The ongoing air strikes add to the terror experienced by survivors, worsened by the widespread devastation.
Witnesses, including a rescue worker and a nurse, recount their harrowing experiences. The new military tactic of using motorised paragliders has spread fear across Sagaing, as described a rescue worker who equates the sound of the attacks to a chainsaw. The nurse reflects on the psychological toll, noting a pervasive atmosphere of anxiety among villagers.
Despite the military’s rare appeal for international aid, reports indicate mixed results regarding the delivery of assistance, often hindered by internet issues and excessive military scrutiny. Residents of Sagaing are in dire need of essential supplies, and while local groups are responding to urgent demands, the presence of international agencies remains conspicuously absent.
The situation in healthcare facilities becomes desperate as recounted by a pregnant woman trapped in a hospital teeming with corpses, likening it to a ‘Covid-19-like’ crisis. Joe Freeman underscores the pressing need for immediate and equitable relief efforts, calling on the military and all parties involved to uphold human rights and prioritise the most vulnerable communities.
Amnesty International urges Myanmar’s military to stop air strikes on civilians amidst the earthquake recovery efforts. With over 2,000 people dead, the situation in affected regions is dire, plagued by communication issues and military control over aid. Residents face critical shortages of basic supplies and medical care, while the presence of international aid remains limited. Urgent and equitable relief action is essential to address the immediate needs of the most vulnerable communities.
The dire circumstances following the earthquake in Myanmar illustrate a compounded humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by military air strikes. Despite some local efforts to provide aid, essential services remain severely compromised, with alarming reports of escalating needs and inadequate responses from international agencies. The call for a halt to violence and prioritisation of humanitarian efforts is paramount in ensuring the survival and dignity of those affected. Key figures stress that swift action focused on the most vulnerable populations must become a priority in ongoing relief efforts.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
