Domestic News Updates – April 09, 2025 Morning
๐๐ 1. NUG Representative Highlights Military Airstrikes on Earthquake-Hit Areas Despite Ceasefire, Calls for International Support to Restore Democracy in Myanmar
April 8
Radio NUG
At the 150th General Debate of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held under the theme Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice, Dr. Win Myat Aye, Head of the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), revealed that the military junta has been conducting airstrikes on earthquake-affected areas despite announcing a ceasefire. He also called on the international community to help restore democracy in Myanmar.
“On March 28, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar. This disaster hit at a time when the country was already grappling with ongoing conflict, compounding the suffering of the people,” said Dr. Win Myat Aye. “Around 3,500 people lost their lives and nearly 5,000 were injured. Many survivors are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, lacking shelter, food, water, and medical care.”
Dr. Win Myat Aye further explained that the National Unity Government (NUG) and Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations (EROs) had declared a ceasefire in order to provide emergency aid to the affected areas. In stark contrast, the military junta continued targeting civilians across the country, launching 63 airstrikes in 32 townships within a single week—including in regions devastated by the earthquake.
There is growing concern that the junta, which has seized control over international humanitarian funding, may divert such aid to further military aggression. Dr. Win Myat Aye urged for rapid and direct humanitarian assistance to be delivered to the people of Myanmar.
“Please speak out in support of a genuine ceasefire and an end to the airstrikes. We sincerely appeal for your help in bringing democracy back to Myanmar,” he concluded.
========================
๐๐ 2. Karen National Education Committee (KNEC) Reaffirms Commitment to Implementing Federal Education System
April 8
Radio NUG
The Karen National Education Committee (KNEC) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to implementing a new, inclusive education system based on federal principles. This pledge was outlined in a statement marking the 25th Karen National Day.
According to the message, KNEC is establishing an educational framework aligned with federal values that is suitable for the diverse ethnic communities within the Karen region. The committee emphasized that it would proceed based on policy foundations and an inclusive decision-making process involving all stakeholders.
KNEC called on parents and communities to continue supporting the education of future generations, even in the face of ongoing adversity and crises. Despite significant challenges, the committee remains resolute in advancing its new education system.
Since its establishment in 2022, KNEC has been working to meet the educational needs of the region. As of 2025, it has opened 145 basic education schools and deployed approximately 1,000 education staff. The committee has also successfully initiated university-level programs.
========================
๐๐ 3. Death Toll and Needs Continue to Rise 10 Days After Major Earthquake, UN OCHA Reports
April 8
Radio NUG
Ten days after the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, the number of casualties and humanitarian needs continues to rise, according to a statement released by UN OCHA Myanmar.
The earthquake has resulted in:
Approximately 3,500 deaths
Around 200 people missing
Nearly 5,000 injured
1.72 million people living in affected areas
910,000 people experiencing the most intense impact
The situation is further exacerbated by extreme heat and unpredictable rainfall, making conditions even more dire, the report stated.
While humanitarian workers have managed to deliver emergency support—including shelter, water, hygiene kits, food, medicine, and mobile health services—to over 165,000 people, the overall needs remain enormous. Many victims are still struggling to access even the most basic necessities.
========================
๐๐ 4. Over USD 136 Million in Earthquake Relief Pledged, but Much of It Expected to Flow Through Military Junta—Close Monitoring Urged
April 8
Radio NUG
The Myanmar Peace Monitor has issued a warning that while over USD 136 million in international earthquake relief has been pledged, most of the funds are expected to flow through the military junta, raising concerns about whether aid will actually reach those in need.
The pledged assistance includes:
USD 32.2 million from the United Kingdom
USD 11.6 million from Norway
USD 20 million from the QUAD Group (United States, India, Japan, and Australia)
USD 9.9 million from the European Union
USD 9 million each from Australia and the United States
USD 6.5 million from Ireland
USD 6 million from Japan
USD 5 million from the United Nations
USD 3 million from the Asian Development Bank
USD 2.24 million from Malaysia
USD 2.2 million from Switzerland
USD 2 million from South Korea
USD 1.5 million from Denmark
USD 1.14 million from New Zealand
USD 1 million each from Sri Lanka and Indonesia
Given that much of the aid is expected to pass through channels controlled by the junta, the Myanmar Peace Monitor stressed the importance of close monitoring to ensure the assistance reaches the earthquake-affected communities directly and effectively.
========================
๐๐ 5. Additional Bodies Recovered from Collapsed Buildings at Sky Villa and Win Star Hotel in Mandalay
April 8
Radio NUG
Search and rescue personnel, in coordination with relevant organizations, conducted operations at the collapse site of the Sky Villa building in Mandalay, which was severely damaged due to the powerful earthquake centered in Sagaing, according to reports.
During the operation, the following bodies were recovered:
- At 14:26, the body of a male child was found.
- At 15:10, the body of another male victim was recovered.
- At 16:08, a third male body was discovered.
Similarly, at the Win Star Hotel collapse site located between 41st and 83rd–84th Streets in Mandalay, search efforts also led to the recovery of one male body.
========================
๐๐ 6. Outbreak of Diarrhea and Skin Diseases Reported in Earthquake-Stricken Sagaing
April 8
Radio NUG
There are emerging reports of diarrhea and skin diseases in the earthquake-affected areas of Sagaing, raising public health concerns.
"The current health situation in Sagaing is unfolding just as anticipated. Diarrhea and skin infections began to appear about two days ago. On Min Lan Street, for instance, residents along the entire street are suffering from skin conditions. The infections appear to have started through exposure to decomposing bodies (DBs). Surrounding neighborhoods have not been able to burn waste or dispose of debris. There's a serious mosquito infestation, and it’s no mystery what these mosquitoes are feeding on," reported a local currently in Sagaing.
“The main hospital only has 200 beds, and although there are mobile clinics, they are limited and not enough to cover the entire town,” the source added.
It is also reported that basic medicines, injectables, and imported drugs need to be urgently restocked.
Some of the mobile clinics that are currently deployed are expected to return before the Thingyan holidays, while others will be arriving. However, most fixed-location clinics are operating under spatial constraints.
Similarly, initial diarrhea cases have also started to appear in Mandalay, according to posts on social media.
========================
๐๐ 7. Approximately MMK 30 Million Raised from "Phyu Phyu in Sydney" Charity Auction Directly Delivered to Ground Relief Teams
April 8
Radio NUG
Singer Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein announced that proceeds of approximately MMK 30 million, raised from the Charity Auction for Earthquake Relief at the recent Phyu Phyu in Sydney event, have been directly transferred to ground-based teams conducting rescue and relief operations for earthquake victims.
“The auction raised AUD 10,300, equivalent to about MMK 30 million, and 100% of the amount was delivered today to organizations actively engaged in on-the-ground earthquake relief efforts,” said Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein.
The donations were distributed as follows:
- MMK 10 million to the Emergency Response and Disaster Management Committee for the Mandalay Region,
- MMK 10 million to the Women's Alliance Force, and
- MMK 10 million to the Burma People’s Liberation Army (BPLA).
Singer Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein extended heartfelt gratitude to all supporters, including the entire Phyu Phyu in Australia team and the audience members who participated in the charity efforts.
The above news was reported by Radio NUG correspondents Min Thihan, Min Sitt Thway, and Khur Shel.
#SpringRevolution
No comments:
Post a Comment