In brief
As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake that has claimed over 3,000 lives, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing plans to attend a regional summit in Bangkok. The disastrous quake, which struck central Myanmar last Friday, resulted in 3,085 confirmed deaths and left 4,715 injured, with many still unaccounted for. Min Aung Hlaing's participation is noteworthy as sanctioned leaders are often excluded from such summits.
The summit, scheduled for Thursday, will bring together leaders from seven countries bordering the Bay of Bengal, including host Thailand, where the tremor also resulted in fatalities, totaling 21 lives lost. In light of the disaster, Thailand has suggested that summit participants issue a unified statement addressing the earthquake's impact. Aid and rescue efforts have rolled in from various countries worldwide, yet the junta's ongoing civil strife complicates relief work. To expedite humanitarian assistance, the junta declared a temporary ceasefire, but it has faced criticism for resisting proposals from armed ethnic groups.Relief efforts became more daunting after Myanmar's military conducted airstrikes in conflict areas, including regions severely affected by the quake. Tensions escalated recently when troops opened fire on a Chinese Red Cross convoy delivering aid, with the junta asserting the convoy failed to adhere to signals to halt. Myanmar has been in upheaval since the military coup in 2021, which ignited a brutal civil war leading to widespread violence that has severely impacted its economy and deepened the humanitarian crisis. Humanitarian organizations continue to urge the military government to eliminate barriers to aid, with the UN calling for increased support ahead of the impending monsoon season.
