Myanmar’s Humanitarian Crisis: Civil War and Earthquake Devastation
Myanmar faces a dire humanitarian crisis due to civil war and a recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake. Over 3 million people are displaced, while food and health resources dwindle. The situation mandates urgent international aid as communities struggle to cope with increasing hunger and health challenges.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is currently in the grips of civil war and has recently been struck by a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. Prior to this disaster, over 3 million individuals had already been uprooted due to ongoing conflicts instigated by the military’s seizure of power from Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in February 2021. This turmoil has resulted in significant civilian targeting, leaving countless people affected.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, which hit near Mandalay and was followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock, videos showcased extensive destruction and raised concerns about buried victims. The restricted flow of information and tight control over movement in Myanmar are significantly hindering rescue operations and make it difficult to ascertain the precise death toll.
According to the United Nations, before the earthquake, internal fighting had displaced hundreds of thousands, scaling up to more than 3 million internally displaced people. The humanitarian crisis has worsened, with approximately 18.6 million individuals in need of assistance. Restrictions and recent cuts to foreign aid programs have been particularly devastating, including a 90-day freeze initiated earlier this year, which has limited essential services for refugees, particularly in neighboring Thailand.
The World Food Program has reported alarming levels of food insecurity facing Myanmar, with a projection that food rations will be significantly reduced in April. Currently, 15.2 million people—nearly one-third of the population—are unable to meet their basic dietary requirements. To continue providing food assistance, the Program has requested $60 million and, at present, can only support 35,000 of the most vulnerable populations.
Health conditions in Myanmar are deteriorating due to inadequate support and resources. Tom Andrews, a monitor for human rights in the country, highlighted that critical supplies for treating tuberculosis and HIV patients have dwindled. Furthermore, disabled children are being denied access to rehabilitation facilities, and essential humanitarian groups face devastating funding cuts, limiting their ability to dispense food and clean water to those in need.
In conclusion, Myanmar is grappling with the compounded crisis of civil war and the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. The conflict has displaced millions and left a significant portion of the population in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Food insecurity and health crises are escalating, necessitating immediate international support and intervention to address these urgent challenges and restore stability in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
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