Menamar: Can it dissolve and immersed in the civil conflict, can be rebuilt after the deadly earthquake?

Their wounds continue to count the inhabitants in Myanmar After the 7.7 Richter earthquake.

Enceladus, who « hit » March 28, has caused the deaths of more than 3,350 people, as well as incalculable damage to the country.

At the same time, 4,850 are injured and 220 missing. Rescue operations are delayed, increasing anxiety, while hopes for detecting survivors under the ruins are almost exhausted.

Eight days later, in cities and towns of central Myanmar, residents continue to sleep in the countryside, either because their homes have collapsed or because they are afraid to enter. Some have carried furniture out and sleep in tents. Humanitarian aid has begun to arrive, but the affected people say it is not enough. They need desperately clean water, food and medicines.

How will Myanmar be rebuilt?

At the same time, the immediate shock of disaster turns into questions about how the country can ever be rebuilt.

It is expected that urban centers should be leveled and rebuilt almost entirely. However, it remains unclear how the country’s army will be able to finance reconstruction. This will cost billions of dollars and the junta has no access to international funding, nor the legality required to secure money from the World Bank or the Asian Bank of Development, according to analysts.

After the earthquake, junta leader Mini Aung Hlating admitted that some buildings had been constructed roughly

It is also unclear how the earthquake will affect the country’s conflict and political crisis. Myanmar has been confronted with a broad uprising against the military junta since the generals seized power by a coup in 2021. The army is widely hated by the population and has lost control of extensive areas at the country’s border.

Desperately attempted to be held in power, he continued the air attacks even after the devastating earthquake. The main cities affected by 7.7 Richter are under military control.

The reason the junta asked for international help

Some believe that, because the capital of Nipindaou, the junta headquarters, was one of the areas that suffered serious damage, the army made a rare call for international aid.

The earthquake of March 28 caused extensive disasters. Government officials have collapsed, trapping families. The Supreme Court, Ministries and Hospitals were either completely destroyed or suffered serious damage. Pagods also collapsed.

« There is no transparency, » John, an employee of the Ministry of Transport, told the Guardian, referring to the number of victims in the capital, demanding that his real name be revealed. « Most victims are older people, children and spouses of government officials, » he added.

After the earthquake, junta chief Mini Aung Chaing admitted that some buildings had been constructed. However, the extent of the damage to the military facilities in Naipidau remains unknown so far. Despite the disasters, the junta tries to present her soldiers as « Savior of the Nation », promoting their image in an attempt to enhance the morale and gain the support of the people.

The UN Human Rights Office, however, accused the junta of limiting the necessary humanitarian aid. Volunteers, who are the backbone of rescue efforts, say they are prevented by soldiers, especially when trying to enter areas that are under hostile or controversial control.

At least 20 cities and towns have been damaged, according to reports

Even in military control areas, such as Mandalei, soldiers were noticeably absent from rescue efforts. This is likely to be due to the fact that the army simply does not have the necessary power. « Most soldiers are fully committed, desperately trying to defend bases and territories across the country, » said Richard Horsi, a senior consultant for the Crisis Group. « Even when the army tried to respond, its priorities were often incorrect, » he added.

In Nipindaau, John had to go to work the day after the earthquake to help with a train construction project, despite the fact that his home had collapsed and the city was in a state of crisis. « Minin Aung Hlating is crazy with this train, » John complained, sleeping in his workplace.

Others are in a worse situation, especially in Shangling, where international aid has not yet reached many.

« From the areas of the city affected by the earthquake, only about 30% of the population receives help, » said W Nio, a shopkeeper. « There is no one to help in the suburbs and other areas other than Shangaging. There is a great need for food, drinking water and medical help, « he told the Guardian.

His two -storey family home was destroyed. His brother was reading upstairs when he collapsed. Miraculously, the family survived.

During the day they stay in their backyard, following the shadows of the trees to protect themselves from the intense sun. In the evening in a scene. « It’s like the earthquake has destroyed people’s lives in my city, » said U Nio.

Can China help Myanmar?

People have already struggled hard to survive even before the disaster. So who will pay for rebuilding in Myanmar?

At least 20 cities and towns have been damaged, according to reports. Horsi estimated that « China can lend money to individual projects », but it seems unlikely to trust the regime with huge amounts.

For communities, this means a prolonged state of chaos, without proper infrastructure. The trauma caused to families will take even more time to heal if this ever happens.