Domestic News Updates – April 03, 2025 Evening
๐๐ 1. Nearly 40 Casualties in Min Kun Due to Earthquake; Water Shortages Reported
April 3
The Unicon Guerrilla Force has reported that nearly 40 people have died due to an earthquake in Min Kun, Sagaing Township, Sagaing Region. Monks are leading the relief efforts, assisted by revolutionary forces and local residents.
The earthquake, which struck on March 28 in the afternoon, caused the collapse of ancient pagodas, stupas, and residential buildings in the Min Kun area. As of now, nearly 40 fatalities have been confirmed. People who managed to escape the disaster are being transported to hospitals and clinics by members of the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) for medical treatment.
According to the latest data collected, the confirmed death toll in Min Kun stands at over 30, nearing 40. However, unreported fatalities remain, and the number of deceased monks and nuns is still unknown.
The earthquake has also severely damaged monasteries and drinking water wells, leaving local residents in urgent need of food, medicine, drinking water, and shelter. The Unicon Guerrilla Force has issued an appeal for both domestic and international donors to provide assistance.
As of 8 AM on April 3 (Myanmar time), the earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.7, has resulted in 3,085 confirmed deaths, 4,715 injuries, and 341 missing persons.
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๐๐ 2. Thai Government Faces Criticism for Allowing Junta Leader Min Aung Hlaing to Attend BIMSTEC Meeting
April 3
The Thai government is facing criticism for allowing Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, to attend the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit, which is being held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Despite Myanmar grappling with severe destruction caused by a major earthquake, Min Aung Hlaing has taken this rare opportunity to travel to another Southeast Asian country, one of the very few such visits since the military coup.
More than 300 pro-democracy civil society organizations had urged the Thai government and its leaders to bar Min Aung Hlaing from attending the summit. However, the Thai government ignored these calls, drawing further criticism.
A deputy professor from Thammasat University has also argued that the Thai government should not have allowed Myanmar’s junta leader to personally attend the BIMSTEC Summit.
Additionally, a regional expert on Southeast Asian affairs has warned Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin not to engage with Myanmar’s military leader in a way that suggests diplomatic legitimacy.
Leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are also participating in the summit, along with Thai government officials.
On the final day of the summit, April 4, Thailand is expected to propose a joint declaration addressing the impact of the recent earthquake in Myanmar.
Thailand has long supported Myanmar’s military junta through various means, including financial aid, diplomatic backing, and policy alignment. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Thailand has been complicit in the military junta’s war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to the Blood Money Campaign.
Min Aung Hlaing’s presence at the BIMSTEC regional summit in Thailand comes at a time when Myanmar’s military regime is facing increasing sanctions and international isolation. Observers believe the junta is using this opportunity to seek diplomatic recognition through the summit.
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๐๐ 3. European Union Welcomes Temporary Ceasefire Between Myanmar Military and Resistance Forces
April 3
The European Union (EU) has welcomed the recent temporary ceasefire declarations between the Myanmar military and revolutionary forces, according to an official statement released on the morning of April 3.
The EU has acknowledged and welcomed ceasefire announcements made by various parties involved in the Myanmar conflict.
The ceasefire is seen as a crucial step in facilitating swift, safe, and unhindered humanitarian assistance for earthquake-affected civilians.
In response to the disaster, the National Unity Government (NUG) declared a cessation of all offensive military operations from March 30 to April 12, except for defensive actions in affected areas, in order to allow humanitarian efforts to proceed.
Additionally, the Three Brotherhood Alliance announced on April 1 that they would halt military offensives for one month to enable effective disaster relief operations in conflict-affected areas.
On April 2, both the Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/KIA) and the military junta also announced temporary ceasefires.
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๐๐ 4. Magnitude 5 Earthquake Strikes Off the Coast Near Pyapon
April 3
A magnitude 5 earthquake struck off the coast, 86 kilometers south of Pyapon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management (MOHADM) under the National Unity Government (NUG).
The earthquake occurred on April 2 at 10:57 PM, with its epicenter in the sea, 86 kilometers south of Pyapon.
Residents in Pathein, Pyapon, and Maubin reported feeling the tremors due to the shallow depth of 10 kilometers.
Authorities have warned that aftershocks related to the major Sagaing earthquake may continue. The MOHADM has advised the public to remain vigilant and follow safety precautions.
These reports were contributed by Ko Khant, a correspondent for Radio NUG.
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