Key Takeaways:

• The death toll from Myanmar's recent earthquake has climbed to 3,354, with thousands more injured and missing.
• Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing attended a regional summit in Bangkok amid ongoing humanitarian crises, sparking protests over his presence.
• The UN and various nations have pledged aid and relief support, but the military's actions raise concerns over the accessibility of such assistance.

The death toll from the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 has now risen to 3,354, according to state media announcements. Rescue operations continue as more than 4,850 individuals are reported injured and approximately 220 are still unaccounted for, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region. This catastrophic event, which has been described as one of the deadliest natural disasters in decades, has exacerbated an already dire situation faced by Myanmar's population due to ongoing civil unrest and economic collapse following the military coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, as reported by TRT Global.

In a recent turn of events, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attended a regional meeting in Bangkok as questions arise regarding the junta’s accountability in providing relief to affected populations. Following the summit, he engaged with leaders from several nations, including India and Thailand, as they sought to navigate post-earthquake recovery strategies, while facing widespread protests labeling him a "murderer" outside the venue, confirming the resistance against his regime.

The United Nations has made recent appeals for global aid, highlighting that more than 3 million people have been impacted by the quake, significantly worsening the humanitarian crisis, which was already exacerbated by four years of civil warfare. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher remarked on social media that the global community must “rally behind the people of Myanmar,” emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts. In light of this, the international community has extended various forms of assistance aimed at addressing the dire necessities of affected individuals, notably from countries such as China and Russia.

Amidst this chaos, the military junta continues air strikes against rival armed groups, raising concerns about the potential for "collective punishment" against communities that have actively opposed military rule. Reports suggest that logistical hurdles, including damaged infrastructure and strict military control over aid distribution, hinder relief efforts for the victims of the earthquake and those displaced by ongoing conflict.

Recent analyses suggest that while the junta attempts to leverage the earthquake's aftermath as an opportunity to stabilize its regime through international engagement, it simultaneously faces the risk of deepening local resentment and international isolation if humanitarian needs remain unmet. The dynamics of ongoing conflicts in regions like Sagaing and Mandalay underline the complexities of aid distribution, with many citizens left vulnerable as their basic necessities go unaddressed.

For more details, visit: Bangkok Post, South China Morning Post.