61 attacks have taken place in Myanmar since deadly earthquake: UN

GENEVA

In the week since a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, more than 60 attacks have taken place, the UN said Friday.

“A big reason for cuts in communication lines is because of the earthquake and the military cutting means of communications,” said James Rodehaver of the UN Human Rights Office in Myanmar at a press conference.

He said 61 attacks have occurred since the earthquake, without specifying who was responsible, and cited the military’s use of hang gliders in attacks “seemingly designed” to cause distress or displace people.

Of those attacks, 16 took place after the April 2 ceasefire, said Ravina Shamdasani of the UN Human Rights Office.

19 million in dire need

Around 19 million people in Myanmar are in dire need, said Babar Baloch of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) at the same press conference.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) called on all parties in Myanmar to put aside their differences and allow wider humanitarian access to affected communities.

“The devastating earthquake and the massive needs it generated must push the parties to agree on a path forward to bring critical respite to communities severely weakened by long years of conflict and violence,” said Regis Savioz, regional director for Asia and the Pacific at the ICRC.

“The announced short cessation of hostilities is certainly a step in the right direction, but will need to be extended.”

Myanmar’s ruling military leaders declared a three-week ceasefire with rebel groups on April 2, following the earthquake that killed more than 3,100 people and injured thousands.

Savioz said that even before the disaster, nearly 20 million people in Myanmar relied on humanitarian aid due to ongoing conflict.

“As the search and rescue phase winds down and hope of finding survivors under the rubble fades, the humanitarian response to meet the growing needs of all affected communities must be urgently scaled up,” he said.

In Mandalay and Sagaing, many people cannot return safely to their homes and are forced to sleep in the open. At the same time, around 100 hospitals and healthcare facilities were severely damaged and are no longer safe for use, Savioz added.