Kavi Chongkittavorn for ThaiPBS

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar at noon yesterday, particularly affecting Sagaing and surrounding areas, will have unfathomable impacts on an already isolated and crisis-ridden nation.

Hundreds of casualties have already been reported, and given the scale of destruction, the number is likely to rise as more information emerges.

The severity of the quake underscores the urgent need for immediate and coordinated international assistance.

This is not the first time Myanmar has faced a major humanitarian disaster. In 2008, Cyclone Nargis devastated the Irrawaddy Delta, killing at least 138,000 people.

In the aftermath, ASEAN, the United Nations, local authorities, and select non-governmental organizations (NGOs) collaborated to deliver humanitarian assistance.

At the time, Myanmar’s then-military government, known as the State Peace and Development Council, was ill-prepared and resistant to foreign aid, leading to delays in the delivery of critical relief supplies. 

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan led negotiations with the junta on behalf of ASEAN before a compromise plan could be reached. 

It was only after weeks of discussions that the Tripartite Core Group (TCG) was established, allowing a structured international response.

This historical precedent highlights both the importance of international cooperation and the challenges of dealing with Myanmar’s military rulers in times of crisis.

The current junta, officially known as the State Administration Council (SAC), has already made an appeal for international aid. This suggests a recognition of the gravity of the situation and a rare openness to outside assistance.

It is now crucial that the SAC facilitates rather than obstructs the international response, ensuring that relief efforts reach those in need as quickly as possible.

The earthquake has hit some of the most volatile regions in Myanmar. Sagaing and Mandalay, the worst-affected areas, are also key battlegrounds in the ongoing conflict between the junta and resistance forces, particularly the People’s Defense Force (PDF).

Over the past three years, Sagaing has been a hotspot for anti-junta resistance, with frequent clashes between the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) and pro-democracy fighters.

The key question now is whether the disaster will lead to a temporary ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach remote villages. History has shown that conflict zones often present logistical and security challenges to relief operations.

The junta and resistance groups must put aside their hostilities, at least temporarily, to facilitate the urgent delivery of life-saving assistance to affected communities.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to travel to Bangkok on April 4 to attend the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit.

This summit presents an opportunity for Myanmar’s leadership to engage with regional powers and seek coordinated disaster relief support. However, given the worsening situation at home, there is a possibility that the junta leader may cancel his trip.

If he does attend, regional leaders should use the occasion to push for greater humanitarian access and international coordination.

ASEAN has the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), which has experience coordinating regional aid responses.

To some extent, the AHA Centre has already provided humanitarian assistance to affected villagers inside Myanmar with the help of local humanitarian groups, including Myanmar’s Red Cross Society.

Similarly, UN specialized agencies—such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO)—have an established presence in Myanmar and have gained operational trust with the SAC despite political tensions.

During the Cyclone Nargis crisis, the Tripartite Core Group (TCG) was formed three weeks after the disaster—a delay that cost lives.

This time, ASEAN, under the leadership of Malaysia as the current chair, should act swiftly to initiate an international relief operation, bridging both regional and global efforts. Any delay would make Naypyidaw accountable.

Such an initiative would also provide a rare opportunity for the junta to engage with the international community in a way that goes beyond political tensions.

More importantly, it could serve as a step toward reconciliation between the military and the broader civilian population, who have suffered both from political repression and natural disasters.

Disasters often create unexpected spaces for dialogue. The earthquake presents a unique opportunity for all stakeholders—many of whom are in direct conflict—to come together for a common cause.

If properly handled, the response could lay the groundwork for greater cooperation between Myanmar’s military rulers, civil society, and resistance groups in ways that were previously unimaginable.

Now is the time for ASEAN and the United Nations to take the lead, ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without unnecessary political roadblocks.

The people of Myanmar deserve a swift and effective response—not bureaucratic delays, power struggles, or historical inertia.

The international community must act now. Myanmar cannot afford another humanitarian failure.

Kavi Chongkittavorn is a veteran Thai journalist covering regional affairs.