In brief
The death toll from the recent earthquake in Myanmar continues to rise as the country's leader, Min Aung Hlaing, attends a regional summit in Bangkok, where he faces challenges of international aid and ongoing civil conflict.
Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has arrived in Bangkok for a crucial regional summit, while his country grapples with the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake that has claimed over 3,000 lives and left many injured. The quake struck central Myanmar last Friday, resulting in the official reports of 3,085 fatalities and 4,715 injuries, with hundreds still unaccounted for. The situation remains dire as authorities have yet to reach many affected areas, suggesting that the actual death toll could be significantly higher.Hlaing’s attendance at the summit, alongside leaders from seven Bay of Bengal nations, is notable, as sanctioned leaders are usually prohibited from such high-profile gatherings. Host country Thailand, which also felt the earthquake and witnessed 21 casualties, has proposed a joint statement addressing the disaster's effects.International help has begun pouring into Myanmar, but the ongoing civil war and inadequate infrastructure continue to obstruct relief efforts. Recently, the junta announced a temporary ceasefire to facilitate aid distribution, after initially rejecting proposals from ethnic rebel groups. Tensions escalated when junta troops reportedly fired on a Chinese Red Cross convoy delivering humanitarian supplies, citing non-compliance with signals to halt.During the summit, Min Aung Hlaing is expected to discuss bilateral issues with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The ongoing conflict in Myanmar, ignited by the military coup in 2021, has triggered a humanitarian crisis compounded by relentless violence, economic despair, and now, the devastating effects of the earthquake. Humanitarian organizations are appealing for the lifting of aid restrictions, with the UN pressing the international community to provide increased assistance before the approaching monsoon season complicates relief efforts further.
