Myanmar is currently at the center of escalating humanitarian and military crises, particularly following the devastating earthquake that struck the country on March 28, 2025. Despite declarations by both the military junta and various rebel groups of temporary ceasefires aimed at facilitating relief efforts for earthquake victims, fighting has continued unabated across several regions. The national and international community remains concerned as reports indicate a troubling disregard for these ceasefires.
The backdrop of the conflict includes a complicated civil war that has persisted since the junta seized power in a coup in 2021. Rebel alliances, composed of multiple ethnic militias, have been engaged in armed resistance against the military authority. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.7, has exacerbated an already dire situation, leading to significant casualties and damage, especially in the hardest-hit city of Mandalay. Official reports indicate that the death toll has tragically reached 3,564, with over 5,000 injured and hundreds still unaccounted for.
Reports from the United Nations Human Rights office pointed out that, since the ceasefire agreements were announced by both parties, the military supposedly carried out at least 14 attacks. These aggressive actions have been met with counterclaims from the rebel groups, who insist that their operations were merely defensive responses to military offensives. Major General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the military council, has asserted a firm stance, stating that any perceived unprovoked attacks on military bases would be met with a robust response, further fueling hostilities in the region.
On the ground, the humanitarian response has been hampered by ongoing violence and logistical challenges. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for an immediate cessation of military activities to allow humanitarian operations a chance to function effectively. As aid groups strive to reach those affected by the earthquake, they are facing substantial obstacles due to “longstanding limitations imposed by the military” that restrict access to the worst-hit areas. As cited by relief agencies, the situation has transformed into a compounded crisis, with an alarming need for basic necessities such as food and water, combined with the pre-existing conflicts within the country.
Adding to the complexity of the current humanitarian disaster are the aftershocks of the earthquake, causing ongoing trauma among residents. Reports of another moderate earthquake with a 4.9 magnitude were noted shortly after the main tremor, further instilling fear and uncertainty among survivors. Many families are now displaced, sleeping outdoors and exposed to the elements, as seen in various images capturing scenes of people gathered on blankets outside of buildings in Mandalay.
Relief efforts remain hampered by intermittent rain, which has made recovery operations more challenging in an already devastated urban landscape. Local and international responders are addressing urgent needs but find that their reach is often limited due to ongoing conflict and the military’s restrictive control over movement and access. Tom Fletcher, UN humanitarian chief, highlighted the urgent necessity for increased shelter solutions and access to power and water amidst these continuing challenges.
The international community is now urging all parties involved—military and rebel factions alike—to prioritize humanitarian concerns over military action. While ceasefire mandates have been articulated, the reality on the ground suggests an ongoing struggle that refuses to relent in the face of widespread disaster. This dichotomy presents a dire need for diplomatic efforts to not only manage relief but to address the root causes of conflict that perpetuate suffering across Myanmar.