Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's military leader, has arrived in Thailand for a regional summit, marking an unprecedented moment as the country grapples with the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake that has left over 3,000 dead. The earthquake struck central Myanmar last Friday, causing extensive devastation and injuring thousands. The junta has confirmed the death toll at 3,085, with the number of injured at 4,715, while hundreds remain missing.
The summit brings together leaders from seven nations surrounding the Bay of Bengal, and Hlaing's participation raises eyebrows due to the usual exclusion of sanctioned leaders from such events. Thailand, the host nation that also felt the earthquake's impact—resulting in 21 fatalities—has suggested a joint statement addressing the disaster's effects.
In Myanmar, many locations affected by the earthquake are still unreachable by rescue and relief teams, leading to an underreported death toll. Despite a global response with aid and support pouring into Myanmar, the military junta's ongoing civil conflict complicates rescue and recovery operations significantly.
In a recent development, the junta announced a temporary ceasefire to facilitate aid efforts, a decision that comes after what had been an ongoing military offensives, including airstrikes and incidents of troops firing on relief convoys. The civil war has ravaged the economy, compounded inflation, and thrust the nation deeper into a humanitarian crisis, which the earthquake has only intensified.
Humanitarian organizations continue to press the junta for unimpeded access to aid, and the United Nations has urged a coordinated international response to ramp up support before the imminent monsoon season. As Hlaing prepares to engage with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the global community watches closely, hoping for an end to hostilities and a focus on humanitarian needs.
