Myanmar Earthquake: A Call for Global Action Amid Humanitarian Crisis

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction and exacerbating an already severe humanitarian crisis. With a potential death toll surpassing 10,000 and over 15.2 million people affected, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the disaster has laid bare the vulnerabilities of a nation grappling with conflict, poverty, and a history of natural calamities. As images of collapsed structures, including the historic Me Nu Brick Monastery in Inwa near Mandalay, circulate globally, the urgent need for international intervention has never been clearer.

A Nation in Crisis

The earthquake’s impact is staggering. Entire communities have been displaced, with millions in desperate need of temporary shelter, clean water, sanitation, medical care, and food. The United Nations has emphasized that even before this latest tragedy, a significant portion of Myanmar’s population was reliant on humanitarian aid. The added strain of this disaster threatens to further erode the resilience of communities already battered by internal strife and economic hardship. The historic city of Inwa, a cultural treasure on the outskirts of Mandalay, stands as a poignant symbol of loss, with its ancient structures reduced to rubble in mere moments on March 28.

Myanmar’s location on a seismically active fault line makes it particularly susceptible to such events, a vulnerability shared with neighboring countries like Indonesia. This latest quake serves as a grim reminder of the region’s exposure to natural disasters, echoing past tragedies such as the 2004 Aceh tsunami and the 2005 Nias earthquake in Indonesia, both of which caused catastrophic loss of life and infrastructure. In Myanmar’s case, the structural failure of buildings—many not built to withstand high-magnitude quakes—has significantly contributed to the high casualty numbers, a problem mirrored across the region in urban centers like Bangkok where high-rise vulnerabilities persist.

Lessons from History

The international community has faced similar challenges in the region before, and past responses offer critical lessons for Myanmar’s recovery. The 2004 Aceh-Nias disaster in Indonesia, marked by a 9.3-magnitude earthquake and tsunami followed by an 8.7-magnitude aftershock in 2005, demonstrated the power of coordinated global action. Under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Indonesia’s government embraced international cooperation, establishing the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency for Aceh and Nias (BRR). This body not only managed aid effectively but also bolstered Indonesia’s credibility on the world stage, proving that transparency and accountability are vital in post-disaster recovery.

Similarly, Myanmar’s own history with Cyclone Nargis in 2008, which killed over 120,000 people and left millions homeless, showed the potential for regional collaboration. Despite initial reservations about UN leadership, Myanmar worked with ASEAN and the UN through the Tripartite Core Group (TCG) to coordinate relief efforts. This model, though imperfect, highlighted the importance of regional bodies like ASEAN in navigating complex political landscapes to deliver aid, especially in a nation fragmented by poverty and social conflict.

Geopolitical Challenges and a Call for ASEAN Leadership

Today, the international response to Myanmar’s earthquake remains alarmingly inadequate, hampered by the country’s low credibility in global eyes and the United States’ reduced role in disaster aid. Historically, the US has been a cornerstone of UN-led relief efforts, from Aceh in 2004 to Turkey in 2023. Its current withdrawal from substantial support in Myanmar underscores a shifting geopolitical landscape, placing greater responsibility on regional actors. ASEAN, with its proven track record in crises like Cyclone Nargis, must step into this void, potentially partnering with influential neighbors like China and India to lead recovery efforts.

The Myanmar government, under military rule, faces a dual challenge: addressing immediate humanitarian needs while rebuilding trust with the international community. Transparency and a clear commitment to accountability will be essential if the junta hopes to secure the necessary funding and expertise. The USGS Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) estimates a 35 percent probability of economic losses ranging from US$10 billion to $100 billion, figures that could dwarf Myanmar’s GDP. Current aid commitments fall far short of what is needed, highlighting the urgency of convening an international earthquake summit in Myanmar to coordinate efforts and secure resources.

Building Back Better

Beyond immediate relief, Myanmar’s recovery must address systemic issues that amplify the impact of natural disasters. Poverty, inequality, and ongoing internal conflict have long undermined the country’s ability to prepare for and respond to crises. Adopting a “build back better” approach—integrating disaster risk reduction and development goals into reconstruction—could offer a path forward. This strategy would not only rebuild infrastructure to withstand future quakes but also strengthen community resilience through targeted programs to reduce socioeconomic disparities.

Improved building standards are a critical component of this vision. The collapse of 90 percent of structures in Nias during the 2005 earthquake, much like the current devastation in Myanmar, underscores the deadly consequences of inadequate construction. ASEAN has a unique opportunity to lead on this front, establishing and enforcing rigorous building codes across member states to protect vulnerable populations. Urban centers throughout the region, from Mandalay to Bangkok, would benefit from such standards, mitigating the risk of future catastrophes.

A Roadmap for Recovery

Several actionable steps can guide Myanmar’s path to recovery. First, the military junta should outline a clear timeline for response and reconstruction, dedicating an initial six months to emergency relief, followed by at least four years of rehabilitation. A comprehensive Damage and Loss Assessment, supported by international partners, must be conducted within this initial period to quantify the disaster’s toll and resource needs accurately.

Second, a national ceasefire is imperative to ensure the safe and effective delivery of humanitarian aid. The earthquake response presents a rare opportunity for the government to demonstrate leadership and commitment to its people, potentially laying the groundwork for broader peace and reconciliation efforts. Such a gesture could also enhance Myanmar’s standing internationally, encouraging greater support from skeptical donors.

Finally, drawing on the TCG model from 2008, a new collaborative framework involving the Myanmar government, ASEAN Plus (including China and India), and the UN could streamline aid coordination. This structure would balance regional leadership with global expertise, adapting to the current geopolitical realities while ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.

The Road Ahead

As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of the March 28 earthquake, the scale of the challenge is undeniable. Yet, within this crisis lies an opportunity to redefine global disaster response through regional cooperation. If ASEAN rises to the occasion, supported by transparent governance from Myanmar’s leaders, the recovery could serve as a model for future efforts worldwide. For now, the world watches as millions await the shelter, food, and hope they so desperately need—questions linger over whether this tragedy will mark a turning point for a nation long in turmoil.