Naypyidaw, April 5, 2025 — Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has blamed substandard construction practices for the high number of casualties in the recent devastating earthquake, describing the incident as a painful national lesson bought at the cost of thousands of lives.
Speaking at a special Union Government meeting held at the State Administration Council (SAC) office in Naypyidaw on Friday, the SAC Chairman and Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing acknowledged that poorly built structures had collapsed easily during the disaster, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
“The tragedy we face today is a direct result of negligent construction. It has cost us dearly in terms of human lives,” the Senior General said, according to an official SAC statement.
He stressed the urgent need for future construction projects to strictly adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and engineering standards. “We must ensure all new buildings—particularly high-rise and reinforced structures—are capable of withstanding earthquakes of at least magnitude 8 on the Richter scale,” he added.
He also called for increased oversight and accountability among authorities responsible for infrastructure and construction projects, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In the wake of the disaster, many people have been forced to live outdoors. He instructed officials to provide adequate temporary shelters, hygienic toilet facilities, clean drinking water, and medical supplies to prevent disease outbreaks, particularly diarrhea. He also stressed the need to accelerate rehabilitation efforts in affected areas.
As of now, the death toll from the powerful earthquake has risen to 3,455, with 4,840 others injured and 214 people still reported missing, according to official figures. In total, more than 8,600 individuals have been directly affected by the disaster.
Preliminary assessments paint a grim picture of widespread destruction across multiple sectors. At least 5,223 buildings have been damaged nationwide, along with 1,824 schools, significantly disrupting education in affected regions. Religious institutions have also suffered extensive losses, with 2,752 monasteries and nunneries either destroyed or severely damaged, and 4,817 pagodas and stupas sustaining various levels of structural harm.
Healthcare infrastructure has not been spared, with 167 hospitals and clinics reportedly destroyed, severely impacting the country’s capacity to respond to the ongoing medical needs of survivors.
Transportation and infrastructure networks have also been crippled. Key segments of the Yangon–Naypyidaw–Mandalay highway and railway systems have suffered serious damage, with several train stations rendered inoperable. Authorities have confirmed that 169 bridges have collapsed, while 198 dams and irrigation facilities have been compromised. Additionally, 184 sections of the national expressway have sustained varying degrees of damage, hampering relief and recovery operations.
In response, emergency rescue teams from 26 countries are now working alongside Myanmar’s local disaster response units in ongoing relief and recovery operations.
This earthquake is one of the worst natural disasters to hit Myanmar in recent memory, with the full scale of the destruction still being assessed.
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Bangkok, 5 April 2025 — Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and Prime Minister of Myanmar, held separate bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka and Bhutan on April 4, on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
The meetings took place at the Shangri-La Hotel, where the Senior General met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay for open and cordial discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties.
According to a statement from the SAC, both Dr. Amarasuriya and Mr. Tobgay extended their condolences over the recent earthquakes in Myanmar and reiterated their countries' continued support in ongoing relief and recovery efforts. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their solidarity and assistance.
The discussions covered a wide range of areas aimed at enhancing cooperation between Myanmar and the two South Asian nations. Key sectors identified for future collaboration included trade, defense, education, science and technology, and healthcare.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was accompanied by SAC Joint Secretary Lt. Gen. Ye Win Oo, Union Ministers U Than Swe and Lt. Gen. Moe Aung, as well as senior officials from the Myanmar delegation. The Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka and Bhutan were also joined by senior officials from their respective governments.
The engagements are part of Myanmar’s broader efforts to deepen regional ties and promote collaboration within the BIMSTEC framework.
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April 4, 2025 – Bangkok
Myanmar’s Prime Minister and State Administration Council (SAC) Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra have agreed to deepen cooperation on tackling cross-border crime, with a focus on the illegal arms and drug trade along their shared border.
The commitment was made during a bilateral meeting held in Bangkok on April 4, ahead of the BIMSTEC Summit. According to a statement released by Myanmar’s SAC, the two leaders emphasized the need for strengthened joint action to ensure border stability and curb transnational criminal activities.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn expressed heartfelt condolences for the loss and devastation caused by the recent powerful earthquake in Myanmar. She assured continued Thai support for rehabilitation efforts, including medical assistance and humanitarian aid. She also noted that Thailand’s Foreign Minister, along with his Malaysian counterpart, would soon visit Myanmar to assess further assistance needs on the ground.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing thanked Thailand for its solidarity and support, acknowledging the earthquake’s regional impact, including damage reported in Bangkok. He also expressed concern over the injuries sustained by Myanmar nationals in Thailand and welcomed the upcoming visits by both foreign ministers to coordinate additional aid.
During their talks, the two leaders reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation and pledged to strengthen joint efforts across a range of priority areas.
They agreed to intensify measures to enhance peace and stability along the Myanmar–Thailand border, with a renewed focus on curbing the illegal trade in arms and narcotics.
Both sides also committed to stepping up coordinated crackdowns on illegal online gambling and cross-border financial fraud, which have become growing concerns for regional security.
Efforts to address environmental challenges were also discussed, with an emphasis on reducing transboundary haze pollution through increased public awareness and education campaigns.
In addition, the leaders explored opportunities to promote agricultural technology and sustainable farming practices in border communities, aiming to support rural livelihoods and foster long-term development.
They also discussed broader collaboration in economic development, agriculture, livestock, and defense.
High-level officials from both Myanmar and Thailand were present during the meeting, which reinforced a shared commitment to deepening strategic and practical cooperation across multiple sectors.
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April 4, 2025 – Bangkok
Myanmar and India have agreed to step up joint efforts to combat insurgency, cross-border crime, and human trafficking along their shared border, following high-level talks held on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in New Delhi.
The agreement came during a bilateral meeting this morning between Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC) Chairman and Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability along the border and enhancing cooperation on security matters.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing expressed appreciation for India’s support in the aftermath of the recent major earthquake in Myanmar. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s solidarity with the people of Myanmar during times of crisis and pledged continued humanitarian aid and assistance, according to a statement released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
The two sides discussed strengthening overall bilateral ties, with particular emphasis on Myanmar’s stability, sovereignty, and prosperity. They agreed to intensify collaboration to counter illegal activities along the border, including the trafficking of people, arms, and narcotics.
In addition to security concerns, the leaders also exchanged views on Myanmar’s political roadmap, including the country’s transition to a multiparty democracy. Discussions included preparations for the general elections scheduled for December 2025, which both sides described as an important milestone.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was accompanied by SAC Joint Secretary General Lt. Gen. Ye Win Oo, Union Ministers U Than Swe and Lt. Gen. Moe Aung, along with other senior officials. Prime Minister Modi was joined by key members of the Indian government.
The meeting underscored both countries’ commitment to deepening strategic and developmental cooperation within the broader framework of regional stability and BIMSTEC partnership.
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Bangkok, April 3, 2025 — Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has urged Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to share Nepal’s experiences in post-earthquake reconstruction efforts. The request was made during their meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
The two leaders met on Thursday evening at the Shangri-La Hotel, where they discussed disaster response and bilateral cooperation. According to a statement released by Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC), Prime Minister Oli recalled the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal, which resulted in over 9,000 deaths and more than 23,000 injuries, necessitating extensive reconstruction efforts.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing noted Myanmar’s history of humanitarian assistance, emphasizing that the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) had promptly sent relief supplies to Nepal in 2015. He also expressed appreciation for Nepal’s support following Myanmar’s recent earthquake.
Beyond disaster recovery, the discussion covered Myanmar’s upcoming general elections, scheduled for December. The Senior General reiterated the government’s commitment to holding a free, fair, and inclusive multi-party democratic election. The leaders also explored ways to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance collaboration in trade, investment, tourism, and other areas of mutual interest.
The BIMSTEC Summit, which brings together leaders from South and Southeast Asia, serves as a platform for regional cooperation on economic and strategic matters.
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April 2, 2025
The Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) has announced a 21-day temporary ceasefire from April 2 to April 22, 2025, citing the need to support relief and reconstruction efforts in the wake of a devastating earthquake.
In a four-point statement issued by the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, the Tatmadaw said the ceasefire was declared to express sympathy for affected citizens, facilitate humanitarian aid, and ensure stability during the recovery period.
The Tatmadaw urged ethnic armed groups and other armed organizations to adhere to the ceasefire by refraining from disrupting public transportation routes, harming civilians or their property, attacking security forces, or engaging in activities such as recruitment and territorial expansion. The statement warned that any violations would prompt countermeasures to protect the public.
Since December 2018, the Tatmadaw has declared 22 ceasefires in efforts to promote national peace. In a separate initiative, Myanmar’s State Administration Council extended an invitation for political dialogue on September 26, 2024, as part of ongoing efforts to address political conflicts.
The ceasefire announcement comes amid growing humanitarian concerns following the earthquake, which has caused significant casualties and infrastructure damage across the country.
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April 1, 2025
In light of the devastating earthquake that has struck multiple regions across Myanmar, the traditional Thingyan festival will be celebrated this year in a subdued, peaceful manner. The State Administration Council (SAC) announced that the festivities, usually marked by vibrant entertainment and public celebrations, will instead focus on cultural traditions without singing, dancing, or other forms of entertainment.
The earthquake has resulted in significant casualties, injuries, and widespread damage in areas such as Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, and Shan State. Given the national mourning for those affected, this year’s Thingyan will be observed with respect and reverence, as communities across the country prioritize recovery and support for the victims over festive activities.
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