Rising Tragedy: Nearly 700 Lives Lost in Myanmar Quake – Stay Updated with Live Coverage

Myanmar is facing a challenging situation after a devastating earthquake struck on Friday. The country’s struggles with isolation and internal conflict could make it tough for international aid to reach those in need. In a rare request for help, the military-dominated government acknowledged the need for assistance. “We need and want the international community to provide humanitarian aid,” said Gen. Zaw Min Tun, a military spokesman. However, how effective that aid will be remains uncertain.

Since a military coup in 2021, Myanmar has been largely cut off from the U.S. and many Western countries. The coup led to harsh crackdowns and sanctions, which had already been in place for years due to violence against the Rohingya minority. While humanitarian aid is usually exempt from these sanctions, the overall situation complicates matters.

The United Nations has announced it will mobilize help, but several significant hurdles exist. Michael Martin, an expert from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, emphasized that ensuring the safety of aid workers is a major concern. He noted that the military could block access to areas controlled by opposition forces. There’s a real risk that the military might slow down aid delivery or manipulate it to appear as if it were from them, rather than from international agencies.

This situation mirrors what happened in Syria two years ago, when a powerful earthquake hit but the government severely restricted aid to opposition-held areas. Survivors faced immense difficulties as they tried to recover without sufficient help.

Dr. Stefan Dercon, an economics professor at the University of Oxford, pointed out that transferring funds into Myanmar poses another challenge, given its isolated status and the lack of trusted banking channels. “Delivering humanitarian aid will be very complicated,” he said, highlighting the logistics involved.

Raising the necessary funds for aid is also a struggle, especially with Myanmar’s isolation. Experts like Dr. Martin worry about how willing international donors will be to step in, especially after cuts to U.S. foreign aid under the previous administration.

In summary, while there is a call for help, the complexities of Myanmar’s political landscape, its history of military dominance, and logistical challenges pose significant barriers to effective humanitarian aid delivery.

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