Domestic News Updates – March 29, 2025 Morning
๐๐ 1. Defense Minister Directs Full Support for Earthquake Victims
March 29
The National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Defense has directed the People's Defense Force (PDF) and allied resistance groups, including Pa Ka Pha and Pa Ah Pha, to collaborate with revolutionary organizations within their controlled territories to provide full support to those affected by the earthquake.
Defense Minister U Yee Mon issued the directive, urging the PDF and affiliated groups to coordinate with revolutionary organizations in their respective areas and provide all possible assistance to civilians suffering from the disaster. The directive also instructed relevant command levels to report on the ongoing relief efforts and needs.
At the same time, the NUG released photos this morning, March 29, showing Pa Ah Pha, Pa Ka Pha members, and local civilians carrying out rescue operations along district-connected roads in Sagaing Region.
Following the earthquake, the NUG convened emergency meetings within hours to assess necessary actions. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) subsequently issued directives to relevant PDF units and local Pa Ka Pha groups. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration instructed Pa Ah Pha forces and relevant personnel to expedite rescue and relief operations.
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๐๐ 2. NUG Government and Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun Urgently Appeal to UN Secretary-General for Aid
March 29
The National Unity Government (NUG) and Myanmar’s Ambassador to the United Nations, U Kyaw Moe Tun, have urgently appealed to UN Secretary-General Antรณnio Guterres for humanitarian aid in response to the devastating earthquake that has struck Myanmar.
On March 28, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun sent a formal letter to the UN Secretary-General, highlighting the urgent need for emergency assistance following the earthquake in Myanmar. The NUG also sent emergency statements to relevant officials, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation.
Immediately after the earthquake, the NUG convened emergency meetings and activated the Emergency Response Coordination Committee to manage the crisis. Relevant ministries were instructed to swiftly implement necessary measures to address the unfolding disaster.
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๐๐ 3. Casualties from Earthquake in Mandalay Exceed 1,000, Despite Military Regime's Lower Death Toll Claims
March 29
While the military regime has officially reported nearly 700 fatalities in Mandalay due to the earthquake, local sources indicate that the actual death toll on the ground has surpassed 1,000.
The earthquake, which struck in the afternoon of March 28, caused extensive destruction, including the collapse of residential buildings and the 11-story Sky Villa in Mandalay.
A significant number of victims were inside a mosque at the time of the quake. As of the morning of March 29, rescue teams had yet to recover many bodies trapped beneath the rubble.
In Yamethin, 12 people were confirmed dead, while in Wundwin Township, seven fatalities were reported. Many others remain missing. In Wundwin Township, Meiktila District, a textile factory collapsed, killing seven workers and injuring approximately 70 others.
In Shan State, rescue workers in Aung Ban confirmed that 25 survivors were pulled from the rubble of Aung Ban Hotel in the early morning of March 29. Initial reports indicate that three women perished, while 17 women and eight men were transported to hospitals for treatment.
As per the military regime’s latest report, the official casualty figures in Mandalay stand at 694 deaths, 1,670 injured, and 68 missing persons. However, independent sources on the ground claim that the actual number of fatalities is much higher.
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๐๐ 4. Online Medical Consultation Now Available for Earthquake-Affected Areas with Internet Access
March 29
FOC-Teleclinic announced today that people in earthquake-affected areas with internet access can now seek medical consultations online through its free public health service.
Due to the current situation, many individuals in the affected areas are unable to visit hospitals or clinics for various reasons. Those who need medical advice can now consult doctors for free through the FOC-Teleclinic Chatbox.
The clinic operates daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM Myanmar Time. By scanning a QR code, users will be directed to the FOC Teleclinic chatbot, where they can connect with doctors and receive healthcare services.
FOC-Teleclinic also stated that it remains committed to assisting the public in overcoming these challenges. Meanwhile, those who have sustained injuries due to the earthquake are encouraged to seek help from nearby hospitals, clinics, or relief organizations. For individuals unable to visit medical facilities, FOC Teleclinic provides consultation services via Messenger, covering both physical and mental health concerns.
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๐๐ 5. Ko Htein Lin Expresses Deep Sorrow Over Losses in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Other Areas Due to the Earthquake
March 29
Ko Htein Lin, the youngest son of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives, homes, and property in Mandalay, Sagaing, and other regions affected by the recent earthquake. He shared his sentiments via social media on March 29.
"The devastating earthquake, one of the most severe in Myanmar’s history, has resulted in tragic losses in Mandalay, Sagaing, and other areas. I am deeply saddened by this disaster. I also share the grief of those who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, and those enduring immense hardship in this crisis," he wrote.
He further remarked that Myanmar's people are already suffering under brutal military oppression, armed attacks, and extreme hardships. He strongly condemned the military junta's airstrikes, carried out despite the ongoing natural disaster, calling it inhumane and devoid of compassion.
Additionally, Ko Htein Lin reflected on his mother’s humanitarian efforts, particularly her relief and disaster prevention fund, which was never established. He speculated that had such a fund existed, the military junta would likely have confiscated it instead of using it to support those in urgent need.
"I am also deeply concerned about my mother, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains isolated and incommunicado in Naypyidaw Prison. I have no means to confirm her safety, and the junta continues to deny her the basic human right to communication. This raises serious concerns about her health and well-being.
Medical aid and humanitarian relief must reach those in need without military restrictions. The people of Myanmar deserve unrestricted access to urgent humanitarian assistance. Thank you to those who have expressed concern for my mother's situation," he added.
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๐๐ 6. Yangon University of Medicine (1) Temporarily Suspends Classes to Support Earthquake Relief Efforts
March 29
Following the strong earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, the Temporary University Council of Yangon University of Medicine (1) expressed solidarity with the affected people, stating that its faculty, staff, and students share in the grief of those impacted.
To ensure both physical and mental recovery for students and to allow participation in relief and rehabilitation efforts, the university has decided to suspend all academic activities until April 19, 2025 (Myanmar New Year’s 3rd day).
This suspension includes:
Examination registrations
Ongoing and upcoming examinations
Live lectures
The university stated that further announcements regarding class resumption and exam schedules will be made starting April 19.
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๐๐ 7. Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein to Auction Signed Guitar to Aid Earthquake Victims in Liberated Areas
March 29
The Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein Committee has announced plans to auction three items at the upcoming Phyu Phyu in Sydney show on April 5 (Saturday) at Riverside Theatre to raise emergency funds for earthquake victims in liberated areas.
The items up for auction are:
A guitar personally played and signed by Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein
A handmade doll crafted by Thar Htet Htet
A sacred Kan Kaw tree sapling
The news was reported by Radio NUG correspondents Min Thihan and Ko Khant.
#SpringRevolution
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