How Myanmar obstructing outside world to grasp full impact of earthquake?

On March 28, 2025, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, devastating communities. The epicenter was 12 miles from Mandalay, the second-largest city. The tremor cracked roads, collapsed bridges, and destroyed ancient pagodas. The earthquake's energy was equivalent to over 300 atomic bombs. Entire neighborhoods turned to rubble within seconds, trapping people under their homes. The true scale of the disaster is unfolding, with experts estimating tens of thousands of deaths.

Despite the catastrophic event, the outside world struggles to get accurate information. Myanmar's military government, known as the junta, is restricting access to details about the earthquake's impact. Their control over media, suppression of communication, and obstruction of international aid are preventing the global community from understanding the disaster's scope.

How Myanmar blocks the truth?

Since the 2021 coup, the Myanmar military has severely restricted press freedom. In times of crisis, like this earthquake, the junta has tightened its grip further. It has limited local and foreign journalists' access to affected regions, making independent reports nearly impossible. Government-controlled media releases only selective information, downplaying the destruction and growing humanitarian crisis.

Survivors sharing their stories on social media face hurdles. Reports suggest authorities have intentionally slowed or cut internet services in certain areas, making it difficult to post updates, call for help, or contact loved ones. These restrictions create an information vacuum that keeps citizens and the international community in the dark.

The damage caused by #Myanmar earthquake. The collapsed control tower at Naypyidaw Airport and destroyed pagodas and buildings in Mandalay can be seen, visualized by @planet satellite imagery with @CesiumJS Stories. pic.twitter.com/tX4ux06RsT

— 渡邉英徳 wtnv (@hwtnv) March 30, 2025

Internet shutdowns and mobile network disruptions have become common tactics used by Myanmar’s military. These blackouts prevent real-time reporting from disaster-stricken areas, leaving the world to rely on fragmented accounts from people who get through government filters.

Independent journalists and international news agencies face heavy restrictions. Foreign reporters need special permits to enter Myanmar, and those who get in are closely monitored. Local journalists risk arrest or harassment for reporting stories that contradict the official government narrative. As a result, the junta maintains a monopoly on information, controlling what the world knows about the disaster.

The global community has rushed to offer humanitarian aid, but Myanmar’s government has placed bureaucratic hurdles in the way. Humanitarian groups, including the United Nations and Red Cross, have reported difficulties in getting supplies into the country. The junta has insisted that all aid must be distributed through its agencies, raising fears that resources might not reach those in need.

This pattern isn’t new. After Cyclone Nargis in 2008, which killed over 138,000 people, Myanmar’s military regime initially blocked foreign aid workers. History seems to repeat, as the current government delays or restricts assistance that could save lives. With every passing hour, more people remain trapped under debris, without food, water, or medical help.

How earthquake worsen an ongoing crisis?

The earthquake struck a country in turmoil. Since the military coup, Myanmar has been in civil war. Millions have been displaced, and many communities lack basic resources. The earthquake worsened the humanitarian crisis. The hardest-hit areas are in regions with ongoing fighting between the military and resistance groups.

Earthquake survivors now face additional dangers. Military airstrikes have been reported in these areas, even days after the disaster. Civilians seeking safety must worry about aftershocks and the threat of violence from government forces.

The earthquake damage in Myanmar is largely due to poor building construction. Many structures, especially in rural areas, weren’t built to withstand a quake of this magnitude. Unlike developed countries, Myanmar lacks strong building codes and enforcement. Even in major cities like Mandalay and Naypyidaw, high-rise buildings crumbled due to lack of structural reinforcements.

Seismic experts have warned for years that the Sagaing Fault, an earthquake-prone zone in Myanmar, was overdue for a major rupture. However, the government did little to strengthen infrastructure or implement early warning systems. Now, as the world watches Myanmar struggle with the consequences, many wonder how much suffering could have been prevented.

Despite the junta’s restrictions, international organisations and neighbouring countries are trying to help. India, China, and Thailand have sent rescue teams and medical supplies. The United Nations has pledged $5 million in emergency aid, while the European Union has committed €2.5 million to relief efforts. Private organisations and charities are mobilising support, though their reach is limited by the government’s restrictions.

Myanmar’s military rulers have shown little willingness to cooperate with international efforts. Some fear they may prioritise relief efforts in government-controlled regions while neglecting rebel-held areas, where many ethnic minorities live. Concerns also exist that the junta could use the crisis to strengthen its hold on power by controlling aid distribution.

Scientists warn strong aftershocks could continue for weeks or months. Each aftershock risks more building collapses, landslides, and casualties. Rescue teams are racing against time to pull survivors from the rubble, but government restrictions and ongoing instability make their work harder.

Beyond the immediate aftermath, Myanmar faces long-term economic and humanitarian challenges. Rebuilding could cost tens of billions of dollars. Communities need relocation, and thousands of families have lost everything. The fragile healthcare system, strained by years of conflict, now has to deal with an influx of injured people and limited medical supplies.

Support us to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India.

Keep Reading

How much budget BJP govt in Delhi allocate for environmental causes?

Temperature crosses 40°C in seven cities of Madhya Pradesh

Deadly wildfires ravage South Korea, killing at least 24

SC fines ₹1 lakh per tree for illegal felling in Mathura-Vrindavan

Follow Ground Report on X, Instagram and Facebook for environmental and underreported stories from the margins. Give us feedback on our email id [email protected]. 

Don't forget to Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Join our community on WhatsApp, and Follow our YouTube Channel