Yangon, 16 April 2025 – A Japanese physician who provided medical assistance to survivors of the recent devastating earthquake in Myanmar has appealed to the international community to continue offering support, as the region continues to struggle with the aftermath.
Dr. Igarashi Yutaka, a physician from the Advanced Critical Care Center of Nippon Medical School Hospital in Japan, made the appeal during an interview with Japanese public broadcaster NHK.
Dr. Igarashi arrived in Mandalay on April 4 as part of Japan’s emergency disaster relief team. During his mission, he provided urgent medical care to individuals who suffered injuries such as bone fractures caused by building collapses and rescue operations.
“Some people were unable to seek immediate medical attention because they were preoccupied with taking care of their families,” Dr. Igarashi said. “It was only after their injuries worsened that they came to receive treatment.”
According to Dr. Igarashi, many residents in Mandalay are still living outdoors more than two weeks after the quake, exposing them to cold weather and increasing the risk of infectious diseases such as diarrhea. He also reported a rise in chronic pain cases, particularly lower back and leg pain, among survivors.
His team treated over 100 patients per day, and he noted that some individuals who lost loved ones are also in need of psychological support.
Despite the withdrawal of some foreign medical teams, Dr. Igarashi emphasized the continued need for international aid until local medical institutions can resume normal operations.
Japan has dispatched a second disaster relief team consisting of 37 members, who arrived in Yangon on Sunday following the completion of Dr. Igarashi’s mission.
The Japanese government has pledged approximately $6 million in emergency grant aid to assist the victims. Additionally, the Nippon Foundation has announced it will provide around $3 million (approximately 450 million yen) in emergency assistance.
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Yangon, 15 April 2025 - The powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that recently struck Myanmar has left behind an estimated 2.5 million tons of debris—equivalent to approximately 125,000 truckloads—according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yangon.
The damage assessment, conducted through advanced remote sensing technology, revealed extensive destruction across affected areas. In a press release, UNDP Myanmar highlighted that more than 10,000 homes and public buildings have been either significantly damaged or completely destroyed. Additionally, 128 healthcare facilities have sustained major damage, severely hampering the delivery of critical medical services to those in need.
UNDP noted that approximately 1.6 million buildings are located in zones exposed to seismic intensity level 7 or higher. Many of these structures were not built to withstand such powerful tremors, raising concerns about future earthquake resilience.
To carry out the assessment, UNDP integrated satellite-derived building damage classifications—categorized as destroyed, damaged, or possibly damaged—using data from UNOSAT and Copernicus. These were further combined with Microsoft’s building footprint data and structural data from the Global Human Settlement Layer, including building height and floor counts.
The organization emphasized the urgent need to begin large-scale recovery operations. Debris clearance is considered a critical first step in rebuilding infrastructure and homes, as well as restoring essential services. “With the data now available, rapid recovery efforts must begin immediately,” the UNDP stated.
The United Nations is working closely with both national authorities and international partners to support Myanmar’s earthquake response. UNDP stressed that timely debris removal and reconstruction efforts will be essential for long-term recovery and building greater resilience against future natural disasters.
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YANGON, 15 April 2025 -Medical teams from India and Russia, deployed to assist victims of the recent earthquake in Mandalay Region, officially concluded their humanitarian operations and departed on April 14, according to an official statement.
The Indian contingent, led by Lt. Col. Jagneet Gill of the Indian Army Medical Corps, had been operating a temporary hospital at the old airport site in Chanmyathazi Township. Simultaneously, the Russian Search and Rescue and Medical Team, headed by Major General Sergey Voroutsov, provided medical care from a field hospital set up at the Mandalar Thiri Sports Ground.
During their mission, the teams delivered vital medical services and emergency treatment to those affected by the disaster.
A departure ceremony was held to mark the end of their operations, attended by the Chief Minister of Mandalay Region, senior military officials from the Commander-in-Chief (Army) of the Defense Services, and other relevant personnel. Commemorative certificates and souvenirs were exchanged as a gesture of appreciation for the teams' support.
Authorities expressed deep gratitude to both countries for their timely assistance and solidarity during a critical period
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YANGON, 14 April 2025 — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended Thingyan and Myanmar New Year greetings, expressing solidarity and hope for the people of Myanmar in the wake of recent hardships.
In a message shared through the official Facebook page of the U.S. Embassy in Yangon, Secretary Rubio conveyed warm wishes, stating:
“Thingyan is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to a brighter future. This year, we are united amid the sorrow and devastation brought upon so many in the aftermath of the March 28 earthquake.”
He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Myanmar, noting that the U.S. will continue working alongside the international community to provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance and support recovery efforts.
“The spirit of Thingyan reminds us of the possibility of renewal and the hope for a better tomorrow,” Rubio said. “We remain committed to supporting those working to restore Burma’s path to democracy and will continue to collaborate on peace and security in the region.”
In his statement, Secretary Rubio referred to the country as “Burma”, reflecting longstanding U.S. government usage of the country’s former name in official contexts.
His message comes at a time when Myanmar is still grappling with the aftermath of the recent earthquake, which caused widespread damage and loss of life, particularly in central regions. International relief and reconstruction efforts remain ongoing
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April 13, 2025
Nay Pyi Taw — The traditional Myanmar Maha Thingyan Festival for the Myanmar calendar year 1386 began nationwide today, marked by cultural reverence and peaceful observance. This year’s celebrations, held under the theme “Peaceful Thingyan,” are being conducted in line with Myanmar’s customs and traditions, emphasizing harmony and spiritual reflection.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and Prime Minister, along with his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, attended the official opening ceremony at the Naypyitaw Mayor’s Thingyan Pavilion. The couple was joined by Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win and his wife, SAC members, Union-level officials, and senior military officers.
In keeping with tradition, festival-goers engaged in the symbolic sprinkling of water using Thapyay leaves, a customary practice believed to wash away the misfortunes of the past year and usher in blessings for the new year. The celebration also included a demonstration of Thanaka application—a distinctive feature of Myanmar’s cultural heritage. The Senior General and his wife participated in the demonstration, underscoring national efforts to have Thanaka recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The delegation also presented gifts to senior citizens and observed traditional rituals such as ceremonial hair washing, nail trimming, and the distribution of Satuditha meals—free communal offerings symbolizing merit-making and compassion.
Last year, the Maha Thingyan Festival was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. However, in light of the recent Mandalay earthquake on March 28, this year’s festivities are being conducted without entertainment programs, music, or dancing. Authorities have chosen to observe a more subdued and respectful version of Thingyan, focusing on cultural preservation and national solidarity during a time of mourning and recovery.
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April 11, 2025
Yangon — In a significant expansion of its humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, China has announced an additional 1 billion yuan (over USD 137 million) in emergency aid to support ongoing earthquake recovery efforts.
The announcement was made on April 10 by Mr. Li Ming, spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). Speaking at a press briefing, Li noted that Myanmar’s disaster response has now entered a critical phase focused on pandemic prevention, medical control, and long-term reconstruction.
The expanded aid package comes in response to a formal request from the Myanmar government. The funds will be used to procure urgently needed materials including fuel, prefabricated housing units, surgical equipment, medicines, and vaccines.
In addition to material aid, China will dispatch specialized teams of medical and disease prevention experts to provide treatment and conduct disinfection operations in affected areas. Disaster assessment teams will also be deployed to carry out on-site evaluations, helping shape Myanmar’s recovery and disaster risk reduction strategies.
Recognizing the impact of the earthquake on Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage, China will send cultural heritage and architectural inspection teams to assess, test, and restore damaged ancient relics and historic buildings.
This latest commitment builds on China’s earlier emergency response to the Mandalay Earthquake, which included an initial aid package worth 100 million yuan. Chinese rescue teams were among the first on the ground, successfully rescuing nine survivors—including a pregnant woman—and recovering the remains of 59 victims.
Chinese personnel conducted inspections of over 287,000 square meters of residential and vital infrastructure areas, while also providing medical treatment and health check-ups for more than 2,000 people.
To meet urgent humanitarian needs, China promptly delivered emergency supplies via special flights. The shipments included 4,000 tents, 10,000 blankets, over 55,000 medical kits, 40,000 mosquito nets, 18,000 tarpaulins, and 4,000 sleeping bags.
Additional items—such as 10,000 solar-powered lamps, 2,000 cooking sets, 38,800 health kits, and 2,000 packs of instant noodles—were also provided to support basic living conditions and sustenance for displaced communities.
The aid underscores China’s rapid and comprehensive response to the crisis, reinforcing its role as a key partner in Myanmar’s ongoing recovery and reconstruction efforts.
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10 April 2025
Yangon — India remains firmly committed to engaging constructively and broadly with the government, people, and diverse stakeholders in Myanmar, Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) at the India Centre in Yangon on April 9, Ambassador Thakur emphasized the depth and historical richness of India-Myanmar relations.
“Our relationship is ancient, rich, and deeply rooted. The shared spiritual heritage, historical trade routes, and longstanding exchanges in art, literature, and philosophy are a testament to our enduring interconnectedness,” he said.
Highlighting Myanmar’s strategic importance, Ambassador Thakur noted that the country lies at the confluence of India’s three major foreign policy frameworks — Neighbourhood First, Act East, and the Indo-Pacific Vision. “Myanmar holds a truly special place for India,” he added.
He reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for peace and stability in Myanmar and expressed solidarity in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck the country on 28 March 2025.
“The recent earthquake is a stark reminder of the fragility of life. But it is also in times like these that the true spirit of India-Myanmar solidarity shines through,” Ambassador Thakur said, while commending India’s active involvement in ongoing rescue and relief operations.
The event also marked the 75th anniversary of the ICCR, which was established on 9 April 1950 by the Government of India. The ICCR is responsible for formulating and implementing India’s external cultural relations and fostering mutual understanding through cultural exchanges with countries around the world.
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