Myanmar's Military Junta Seizes on Destruction Caused by Deadly Earthquake
A lethal earthquake hit Myanmar on March 24, 2025, creating destruction and devastation in its aftermath. The tragedy has given the nation's military junta the chance to solidify its grip even further and seize on the precarious situation.
The earthquake, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, occurred in the eastern region of the country along the border with Laos. The quake was felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, and Hanoi, Vietnam. The quake left extensive damage, with reports of buildings collapsing, roads blocked, and power lines cut.
The military junta, which took control in a February 2021 coup, moved rapidly to take advantage of the catastrophe. The junta announced a state of emergency in the affected districts, granting the junta broad powers to govern the relief efforts and limit access to the affected districts.
Human rights organizations have feared that the junta is taking advantage of the disaster to suppress opposition and dissent. The military has previously used force to suppress opposition, and the declaration of a state of emergency has alarmed people into thinking that the junta will utilize the disaster to consolidate power even further.
The world has been slow to react to the tragedy, with most countries continuing to have sanctions against the junta in place. Nevertheless, some nations, such as China and India, have delivered aid and support to the region.
The citizens of Myanmar are in a dire situation, with many having lost access to such basic needs as food, water, and shelter. The international community needs to move fast to deliver aid and assistance to the victims, while at the same time preventing the junta from taking advantage of the tragedy for its own interests.
As the people of Myanmar try to grasp the tragedy, it is obvious that the actions of the military junta will only worsen the misery. The world needs to stand in unity with the people of Myanmar and insist that the junta puts their interests and welfare above its own.
Key Facts:
Date of earthquake: March 24, 2025
Magnitude: 6.2
Epicenter: Eastern Myanmar, along the border with Laos
Affected areas: Several towns and villages in eastern Myanmar
Number of casualties: Unknown, but reports indicate heavy loss of life
International response: Delayed, with some nations donating aid and support