The death toll from the recent earthquake in Myanmar has surpassed 3,000, prompting international aid efforts as the junta leader prepares to join regional discussions in Thailand.
Myanmar's Junta Leader Attends Summit Amidst Earthquake Crisis
Myanmar's Junta Leader Attends Summit Amidst Earthquake Crisis
Min Aung Hlaing's participation in the Bangkok Summit raises eyebrows as the nation grapples with a devastating earthquake aftermath.
In a surprising move, Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is set to attend a regional summit in Thailand, even as his nation deals with the catastrophic aftermath of a recent earthquake. This natural disaster, which struck central Myanmar last Friday, has reportedly led to the deaths of 3,085 individuals and left another 4,715 injured, according to junta officials. With still hundreds unaccounted for, the situation continues to evolve as the death toll is expected to rise.
Min Aung Hlaing's journey to Bangkok will coincide with a summit that gathers leaders from the seven nations surrounding the Bay of Bengal. His presence at the summit is noteworthy, especially as leaders facing sanctions are usually excluded from such gatherings. Notably, the host country, Thailand, which experienced the earthquake's tremors and reported 21 fatalities, has suggested that participating leaders should issue a joint declaration regarding the disaster.
Support from the international community has started pouring into Myanmar, with numerous countries dispatching aid and rescue personnel. However, the ongoing civil conflict and inadequate infrastructure have significantly hampered relief operations. In response to the mounting crisis, the military regime announced a temporary ceasefire to facilitate these efforts; however, prior to this, they had rejected ceasefire proposals from various armed ethnic groups.
The Myanmar military's recent actions have drawn criticism; just Tuesday night, troops reportedly opened fire on a convoy from the Chinese Red Cross, which was carrying much-needed relief supplies. The military explained that the convoy failed to stop when signaled. Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has been mired in a protracted civil war, leading to widespread violence, an economic downturn, and soaring inflation, further exacerbating the country’s humanitarian crisis.
With the impending monsoon season, humanitarian organizations have reiterated their call for the junta to eliminate any barriers to humanitarian aid, while the United Nations has implored the global community to enhance support in light of the recent disaster.
Min Aung Hlaing's journey to Bangkok will coincide with a summit that gathers leaders from the seven nations surrounding the Bay of Bengal. His presence at the summit is noteworthy, especially as leaders facing sanctions are usually excluded from such gatherings. Notably, the host country, Thailand, which experienced the earthquake's tremors and reported 21 fatalities, has suggested that participating leaders should issue a joint declaration regarding the disaster.
Support from the international community has started pouring into Myanmar, with numerous countries dispatching aid and rescue personnel. However, the ongoing civil conflict and inadequate infrastructure have significantly hampered relief operations. In response to the mounting crisis, the military regime announced a temporary ceasefire to facilitate these efforts; however, prior to this, they had rejected ceasefire proposals from various armed ethnic groups.
The Myanmar military's recent actions have drawn criticism; just Tuesday night, troops reportedly opened fire on a convoy from the Chinese Red Cross, which was carrying much-needed relief supplies. The military explained that the convoy failed to stop when signaled. Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has been mired in a protracted civil war, leading to widespread violence, an economic downturn, and soaring inflation, further exacerbating the country’s humanitarian crisis.
With the impending monsoon season, humanitarian organizations have reiterated their call for the junta to eliminate any barriers to humanitarian aid, while the United Nations has implored the global community to enhance support in light of the recent disaster.
