Myanmar quake tests global aid

Political instability and a fractured aid system in Myanmar have made it vulnerable to natural disaster, exacerbating the magnitude earthquake that hit Sagaing and nearby areas, including Mandalay, on March 28.

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As of yesterday, the death toll alone reportedly exceeds 3,000, with thousands of injuries. Two weeks later, the devastation from the earthquake will deepen by the hour.

The earthquake's effects have also spread beyond Myanmar's borders. In Thailand, migrant workers, many of whom are from Myanmar, are bearing the brunt of the disaster. In Bangkok, it is straining the collapsed, trapping scores of Myanmar labourers and cutting off vital remittances, critical support for families back home.

This is intensely understood in disasters-deepen the hardships of already vulnerable populations, worsening poverty and leaving families in even greater need.

Against all odds, communities across Myanmar have shown remarkably resilience. Local networks have mobilised to collect money, food, water, and shelter for victims, often stepping in where larger humanitarian organisations have struggled to respond effectively.

This collective action highlights the power of community-driven initiatives, particularly when formal relief mechanisms are weak or delayed.