Domestic News Updates – March 30, 2025 Evening
๐๐ 1. NUG Announces $1 Million Emergency Relief Fund for Earthquake Victims
March 30
The National Unity Government (NUG) has announced that it will allocate an initial sum of $1 million for emergency relief efforts in earthquake-affected areas. Additionally, the People's Defense Forces (PDF) will halt all offensive military operations for two weeks, effective March 30, to facilitate emergency rescue and relief efforts.
The devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which struck 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing City, and subsequent aftershocks have caused widespread destruction in Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Naypyidaw, and southern Shan State. Homes, religious structures—including pagodas and mosques—schools, roads, and bridges have collapsed, leaving thousands dead and tens of thousands injured. Authorities emphasize the urgent need for emergency medical assistance.
NUG has expressed its willingness to collaborate with CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) professionals and international humanitarian organizations to provide emergency relief and medical assistance in major cities controlled by the military junta, provided that security conditions allow.
Additionally, NUG has formally invited the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations (INGOs) to assist in swiftly delivering emergency relief and medical aid to the affected regions. In NUG-controlled areas, the government has pledged to ensure security, transportation, and the establishment of temporary medical relief camps for humanitarian organizations operating in the region.
NUG is also actively coordinating with resistance forces, allied organizations, and civil society groups under the "People-to-People Initiative" to maximize efforts in emergency relief operations. Furthermore, NUG has urged all ethnic communities to join hands in providing emergency assistance to those affected by the earthquake.
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๐๐ 2. Timor-Leste President Extends Condolences to Myanmar Earthquake Victims
March 30
Timor-Leste President Josรฉ Ramos-Horta has sent a letter of condolence to the Acting President of NUG, Duwa Lashi La, expressing his sympathy for the people of Myanmar affected by the earthquake.
Upon receiving the letter at the end of March, Acting President Duwa Lashi La expressed gratitude, stating on X (formerly Twitter):
"Thank you, President Ramos-Horta, for your message of condolence and solidarity during this difficult time for Myanmar. Your continued support and unity mean a great deal to us."
Timor-Leste has consistently stood in solidarity with Myanmar in its democratic struggle, frequently raising the country's situation on the international stage.
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๐๐ 3. U.S. Government and Myanmar Community in the U.S. Mobilize Support for Earthquake Relief
March 30
In the final week of March, Union Minister Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe of the Ministry of Women, Youth, and Children’s Affairs (NUG) held briefing sessions in Buffalo and Utica, New York, discussing earthquake relief efforts and calling on the U.S. government and Myanmar diaspora in the U.S. to contribute to the emergency response.
The March 28 earthquake, which struck Myanmar at 12:50 AM local time, caused extensive destruction in Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Naypyidaw, and southern Shan State, leaving thousands dead and tens of thousands injured. Reports indicate that over 1,000 people have died, while more than 2,200 people have been injured, with rescue operations still ongoing. These figures were officially reported by UN OCHA Myanmar.
The situation remains dire, with widespread destruction of homes, religious sites, schools, roads, and bridges, necessitating urgent search, rescue, and medical assistance for affected communities.
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๐๐ 4. Union Minister U Soe Thura Tun Affirms Commitment to Rebuilding with the Best Available Means
March 30
Regarding the impact of the earthquake on civilians, Union Minister U Soe Thura Tun stated:
"We have long studied and presented the possibility of such an event occurring. Specifically for Mandalay, we conducted in-depth research, produced maps, and shared findings with regional authorities. We also collaborated with civil society organizations to conduct preparedness drills. In a government that prioritizes the well-being of the people, we could have at least mitigated the damage by half if we had full control. However, given that we are not in a position to exert full control, we deeply regret the extent of the devastation. Nevertheless, we will not waver. We are determined to assist and rebuild in the best possible way with the means available to us."
The powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Sagaing on March 28 in the afternoon has caused widespread destruction in central Myanmar, with the death toll continuing to rise.
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๐๐ 5. Deputy Minister for Human Rights: "All Communities, Including Pathi, Myanmar Muslims, and Rohingya, Suffer Equally from the Earthquake’s Impact"
March 30
Deputy Minister for Human Rights U Aung Kyaw Moe stated on March 30 that all ethnic and religious communities—including Pathi, Myanmar Muslims, and Rohingya—are equally affected by the earthquake's devastation.
"The earthquake has caused extensive damage to places of worship belonging to different religious communities. The number of casualties and injuries has reached an alarming level. For the already marginalized and vulnerable Muslim communities in Myanmar, who have long faced hardship, this disaster has brought even more suffering. We will forever remember this Ramadan and Eid as a time of sorrow and loss. We share the pain of the Pathi, Myanmar Muslims, Rohingya, and all communities affected by this tragedy."
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Sagaing on March 28 primarily caused heavy casualties in Sagaing and Mandalay.
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๐๐ 6. Survivors Rescued from Collapsed Buildings in Mandalay, Pyawbwe, and Yamethin
March 30
The March 28 earthquake caused severe structural collapses in Mandalay Region, including the collapse of the Beijing Hotel at the intersection of 84th Street and 29th Street in Chan Aye Thazan Township.
Rescue teams managed to save a mother and her child alive from the debris.
In Pyawbwe Township, search-and-rescue teams worked to retrieve those trapped under collapsed structures, including residences in Myinbet Ward and the Kanbawza Bank building. A total of 33 people were rescued alive, while one person was found deceased in the rubble.
Similarly, in Yamethin Township’s Pantin Ward, a restaurant and a two-story building collapsed, trapping several individuals. Rescuers managed to save four people alive, while five fatalities were confirmed.
Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities and volunteers work to locate and assist those still trapped.
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๐๐ 7. Humanitarian Ministry Provides Assistance to Earthquake-Affected Villages in Sagaing Township
March 30
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has announced that it has provided aid to earthquake-affected villages in Sagaing Township, assisting both the injured and the families of the deceased.
According to the ministry’s latest statement at the end of March, humanitarian officials have reached out to support the affected communities, providing necessary aid to injured victims and the families of those who lost their lives. Search-and-rescue operations and relief efforts remain ongoing.
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๐๐ 8. Residents of Sagaing City Urgently Call for Emergency Aid Following Earthquake Disaster
March 30
Residents of Sagaing City have issued an urgent appeal for emergency assistance following the devastating earthquake, reporting ongoing shortages of essential supplies and disruptions to transportation networks as of March 30.
"With bridges collapsing, it has become extremely difficult for aid to reach us from Mandalay. Food and medicine are completely unavailable. Casualties continue to rise, and the hospital, which was already small, is unable to accommodate all the injured. The dead bodies are starting to decompose, creating a strong stench, which poses serious long-term health risks to nearby residents. Local charities are trying their best to help, but their resources are inadequate. If relief efforts are delayed, the situation could worsen significantly." — a local resident stated.
Additionally, monastic schools, nunneries, and Buddhist retreat centers on Sagaing Hill are also in dire need of assistance.
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๐๐ 9. Australian Government to Provide Initial $2 Million in Aid to Myanmar
March 30
The Australian government has announced an initial aid package of $2 million for Myanmar in response to the earthquake disaster.
Australia’s assistance will help address urgent medical needs and provide immediate life-saving support through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The aid package also includes funding for emergency shelter, food, and clean water through the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which has allocated $5 million for the crisis.
The Australian government emphasized that it will not provide direct funding to the Myanmar military regime and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that its humanitarian assistance does not legitimize military rule.
This report was sent in by Radio NUG correspondents Min Thihan and Ko Khant.
#SpringRevolution
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