The UN has issued a warning that at least one million women and girls have lost access to vital support services due to significant reductions in foreign aid funding since January 2025. In their latest report, UN Women expressed concern over the collapse of women’s organizations at a time when needs are rapidly increasing.
Following his inauguration last year, U.S. President Donald Trump drastically cut foreign aid, along with other major donor nations tightening their budgets. Sofia Calltorp, head of humanitarian action at UN Women, stated, “Organizations supporting women on the front lines of the world’s most severe crises are at risk of shutting down. Every dollar pulled from these organizations is a dollar taken away from survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, displaced mothers, girls forced out of school, and communities fighting to survive.”
With global armed conflicts at the highest levels since World War II, approximately 120 million women and girls are in urgent need of humanitarian aid and protection, UN Women reported. The new data, gathered from 855 women-led and women’s rights groups across 52 countries affected by crises, revealed that 84% of these organizations have seen increased demand for their services since January 2025. Yet, nearly nine out of ten say they can no longer meet the growing needs, and two in five expect to shut down, either temporarily or permanently, within the next year.
Organizations are now relying heavily on the dedication of their staff, many of whom are working without pay to maintain services. About 65% of women-led groups reported that their employees are working unpaid, and nearly half have experienced rising burnout among their members.
The report highlighted that sexual violence related to conflicts doubled in 2025, even as the systems meant to support survivors are collapsing. A vast majority—86%—of women’s organizations report an escalation in gender-based violence within their communities.
The cuts are having serious, far-reaching consequences. Women fleeing violence may find their shelters shut down; pregnant women could face hours-long walks to reach medical services; and mothers might be left without access to food for their children. The UN emphasized that these impacts extend beyond immediate humanitarian concerns and are compounded by a broader backlash against women’s and girls’ rights worldwide. Already, one-fifth of these organizations have paused work on promoting women’s leadership and gender equality, and over half have observed a decline in women’s participation in community leadership and decision-making roles.
A second humanitarian flotilla is preparing to depart from Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday, aiming to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza and break the Israeli blockade. Approximately 30 boats are set to leave the Mediterranean port, carrying medical supplies and other humanitarian aid as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Additional vessels are expected to join the journey along the way toward Palestine.
Last October, the Israeli military intercepted an earlier flotilla organized by the same group, detaining about 40 boats and arresting Swedish activist Greta Thunberg among over 450 participants. Israeli authorities deny restricting supplies to Gaza, which is controlled entirely by Israel, despite claims from Palestinians and international aid organizations that the amount of aid reaching the territory remains inadequate, even after a ceasefire agreement in October that committed to increased aid delivery.
Liam Cunningham, an actor famous for his role in Game of Thrones who supports but is not participating in the flotilla, told Reuters, “Any aid on these ships is a failure because the people involved are doing what their governments are supposed to do.” The World Health Organization emphasizes that even in conflict zones, international law obliges states to allow safe access to medical care.
Saif Abukeshak, a Palestinian activist and member of the flotilla organizing committee, explained that their mission is to establish a humanitarian corridor to facilitate aid delivery. Past flotilla participants from Switzerland and Spain reported inhumane conditions during detention by Israeli forces—a claim rejected by an Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson.
Flotilla organizers report that, despite Israeli forces intercepting 13 boats carrying foreign activists and aid destined for Gaza, 30 vessels are still sailing toward the war-torn Palestinian territory. A screenshot from a live stream shows Israeli navy personnel aboard the Gaza-bound vessel Florida, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which has been reportedly stopped. The video, verified by the Israeli foreign ministry and shared by Reuters, features prominent passenger Greta Thunberg sitting amid soldiers on a deck.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on X that several vessels from the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been successfully halted and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port, affirming that Greta Thunberg and her companions are safe and in good health. The flotilla, comprising more than 40 civilian boats with around 500 activists, lawmakers, and lawyers, is delivering medicine and food supplies to Gaza. Some participants have shared videos on Telegram, claiming they were forcibly taken to Israel against their will, emphasizing that their mission remains purely humanitarian and non-violent.
This flotilla symbolizes significant opposition to Israel’s blockade of Gaza, attracting international scrutiny as it navigates the Mediterranean. Countries like Turkey, Spain, and Italy have deployed ships or drones to assist their nationals if needed, despite Israel’s persistent warnings to turn back.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Israel’s recent attack on the Samud Gaza flotilla, describing it as a “dastardly” act. Pakistan strongly denounced the assault, which targeted the 40-vessel flotilla carrying over 450 humanitarian workers from 44 countries, and called for the immediate release of those detained. Sharif expressed concern for those captured and reiterated that their only “crime” was delivering aid to Palestinians. He emphasized that such barbaric acts must end and urged for peace and unobstructed humanitarian aid.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar labeled the interception and arrests an overt violation of international law, demanding an immediate ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade, swift release of detainees, and unrestricted aid to Gaza. Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned the attack as an act of terror that put civilians at risk.
Meanwhile, Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israel’s entire diplomatic delegation after Israel detained two Colombians involved in the flotilla. Colombia hasn’t had an ambassador in Israel since last year. Petro criticized these detentions as potentially constituting a new international crime by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and he also canceled Colombia’s free trade agreement with Israel.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned Israel’s interception, noting that eight Malaysians had been detained. He accused Israel of blatant disrespect for Palestinian rights and international conscience. The interception also triggered protests in Italy and Colombia, where unions organized a general strike in solidarity with the aid convoy.
Israel had previously warned the flotilla that it was approaching an active combat zone and violating the blockade, offering to transfer aid peacefully through secure channels. The flotilla’s organizers condemned the raid as a “war crime,” stating that Israeli military tactics were aggressive but no injuries occurred. The boats were intercepted approximately 70 nautical miles from Gaza, in a zone Gaza authorities say Israel patrols to prevent ships from approaching. Communications had been reportedly jammed, including live camera feeds from some vessels.
As of early Thursday, 13 boats had been stopped or intercepted. The remaining 30 boats continue their journey toward Gaza, about 46 nautical miles from their destination. The organizers remain defiant, promising to proceed despite the setbacks. Their initial plan was to reach Gaza on Thursday morning.
Israel continues to dismiss the mission as a provocation, accusing it of being designed not for humanitarian reasons but to incite conflict. Since Hamas took control in 2007, Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza, with past attempts by activists to break it leading to deadly confrontations — notably in 2010 when nine activists were killed during a raid on a flotilla.
Earlier this year, Israeli naval forces detained Thunberg and 11 others from a small flotilla organized by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel that resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the hostage-taking of 251 people, has caused devastating casualties in Gaza, numbering over 65,000 according to local health authorities.
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Palestinians Await Aid Amid Growing Crisis in Gaza
On Wednesday, over 100 humanitarian organizations issued a urgent warning: “mass starvation” is rapidly spreading across Gaza. Their plea comes as the U.S. top diplomat prepares to visit Europe to discuss potential ceasefire agreements and the establishment of humanitarian corridors.
Israel is under increasing international scrutiny over the dire humanitarian conditions in Palestinian territory, where more than two million residents are experiencing critical shortages of food and essential supplies after nearly two years of ongoing conflict.
The United Nations reported Tuesday that Israeli forces have shot and killed more than 1,000 Palestinians attempting to access food aid since the Gaza-based Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the U.S. and Israel, began operations in late May. This move has effectively sidelined the existing UN-led aid systems.
A coalition of 111 organizations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Save the Children, and Oxfam, collectively expressed deep concern, stating, “Our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away.” They called for immediate action, emphasizing the urgent need to negotiate a ceasefire, reopen all land crossings, and facilitate the unhindered flow of aid via UN-led mechanisms.
This appeal comes just a day after the United States announced that envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Europe this week to discuss Gaza and possibly visit the Middle East. In his statement, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce expressed hope that both sides would agree to a new ceasefire and establish a humanitarian corridor to allow aid to reach those in need.
Despite Israel easing a blockade that has been in place for over two months, the people of Gaza continue to suffer from extreme shortages of vital supplies. Warehouses filled with relief materials sit unused near the territory, inaccessible due to restrictions, while those inside face obstructions that hamper delivery.
The organizations described a heartbreaking cycle of hope and despair endured by Palestinians—waiting for aid and ceasefires, only to face worsening conditions each day. “This is not just physical suffering; the psychological toll is devastating. Hope is marred by despair, with survival seeming like a distant mirage,” they warned.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the current situation as unprecedented in recent years, calling the suffering in Gaza “a horror.” In the past three days alone, Gaza’s largest hospital reported that 21 children had succumbed to malnutrition and starvation.
Stalled Peace Efforts and Ongoing Violence
Since July 6, Israel and Hamas have been engaged in ongoing negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to end nearly two years of warfare. After more than two weeks of back-and-forth discussions, progress remains at a standstill.
In recent days, numerous Western nations have called for an immediate end to the conflict, noting that suffering in Gaza has hit unprecedented levels. According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israel’s military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians, most of whom are civilians.
As diplomatic talks remain deadlocked, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with millions caught in the crossfire. The international community continues to urge for a resolution, but finding common ground remains elusive amidst ongoing violence.
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UN Cuts Global Humanitarian Aid Plans Due to Record Funding Shortages
The United Nations announced on Monday that it is significantly reducing its global humanitarian aid initiatives in response to unprecedented funding cuts.
In a statement, the UN’s humanitarian agency stated that it is seeking $29 billion in funding, a sharp decrease from the $44 billion requested in December. This decision has been described as a "hyper-prioritized" appeal.
During the presidency of Donald Trump, who took office in January, U.S. foreign aid—traditionally the highest in the world—was drastically reduced, leading to turmoil in the international humanitarian sector. Various other donor nations are also scaling back their contributions due to a challenging economic forecast.
“Severe funding cuts force us into harsh decisions,” remarked Tom Fletcher, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in his statement. “We only ask for 1% of what was spent on warfare last year. However, this is more than just a monetary appeal; it is a plea for global accountability, human solidarity, and a commitment to alleviating suffering.”
With 2025 nearly half over, the UN has received only $5.6 billion of the $44 billion it requested, which is just 13%. This comes amidst escalating crises in regions like Sudan, the Middle East, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Myanmar.
“We find ourselves forced into a triage of human survival,” stated Fletcher. “The mathematics are harsh, and the outcomes heartbreaking. Many will not receive the assistance they desperately require, but we will strive to save as many lives as possible with the resources at our disposal.”
According to the new guidelines, OCHA will focus its aid on ensuring it reaches those areas and populations with the most urgent needs. The commitment is to direct limited resources where they can achieve the greatest impact as quickly as possible.
A Palestinian receives a meal from a charity kitchen in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, May 8, 2025.— Reuters
Last year, over 295 million individuals experienced severe hunger, marking a new peak driven largely by conflicts and other crises. The situation looks “grim” for 2025 as humanitarian aid falls short, according to a report supported by the United Nations released this past Friday.
This represents the sixth consecutive annual rise in those experiencing “high levels” of acute food insecurity, as highlighted in the Global Report on Food Crises.
Specifically, 295.3 million people dealt with acute hunger in the past year—close to 25% of the population across 53 of the 65 countries examined in the report.
The figure increased from 281.6 million in 2023, according to the report compiled by a coalition of international organizations and NGOs.
The number of individuals facing famine soared to 1.9 million, which is more than double that of the previous year.
A recent food security monitor reported on Monday that Gaza is under a “critical risk of famine” following more than two months of an Israeli aid blockade.
“From Gaza to Sudan, Yemen, and Mali, catastrophic hunger driven by conflict and other issues has reached unprecedented levels, pushing families to the brink of starvation,” stated UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in the report.
“The message is clear: Hunger and malnutrition are spreading faster than our capacity to respond, and globally, a third of all food produced is either lost or wasted,” he continued.
The report pinpointed conflict and violence as the main factors affecting 140 million people across 20 countries and territories experiencing acute hunger.
Extreme weather conditions contributed to the crisis in 18 countries, while “economic shocks” impacted 15 nations, collectively affecting an additional 155 million individuals.
The worsening circumstances in Gaza, Myanmar, and Sudan outweigh the improvements seen in Afghanistan and Kenya.
“A Failure of Humanity”
The report cautioned that the outlook for 2025 is “bleak” as major donor countries have significantly cut humanitarian funding.
“This is more than just a failure of systems; it represents a failure of humanity,” Guterres stated.
“Hunger in the 21st century is unacceptable. We cannot meet empty stomachs with empty hands and turned backs,” he added.
The abrupt halt of funding in 2025 has disrupted humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen.
Projected funding for the humanitarian food sectors is expected to decline by up to 45%.
The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, has substantially cut foreign aid, but other nations have also reduced their contributions.
The report also indicates that “economic shocks” are likely to exacerbate acute food insecurity as the global economy faces “high uncertainty” due to U.S. tariffs and a weakening dollar.
Myanmar’s military chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, speaks at a press conference after discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on March 4, 2025. — Reuters
Isolated junta leader may gain credibility from Thailand visit.
Reported death toll from 7.7 magnitude earthquake surpasses 3,000, according to CCTV.
Relief groups report hospitals are overwhelmed and medications are lacking.
Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s isolated leader, is set to depart his disaster-stricken country Thursday for an infrequent trip to a regional summit, as humanitarian organizations urged for the easing of restrictions to aid survivors from a catastrophic earthquake.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake, among the strongest in Myanmar in a century, shook a region populated by 28 million, damaging buildings, demolishing communities, and leaving many without food, water, or shelter. According to China’s state media, the official death toll has exceeded 3,000.
The military junta has struggled since regaining power in a 2021 coup that ousted the elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Following the takeover, the generals have faced international isolation, leading to severe deterioration of Myanmar’s economy and essential services, including healthcare, amid ongoing civil conflict.
On Wednesday night, state-run MRTV announced a 20-day unilateral ceasefire to support recovery efforts following the earthquake, while cautioning that they would “respond accordingly” if rebels initiated attacks.
MRTV confirmed that Min Aung Hlaing would travel to Bangkok for a summit with mostly South Asian nations—an unusual trip for a general seen as a pariah by many countries, who faces Western sanctions and an investigation by the International Criminal Court.
The junta leader has also been barred from ASEAN summit participation.
Nevertheless, some analysts believe the earthquake and the upcoming summit, which includes leaders from Thailand, India, and Bangladesh, could enhance Min Aung Hlaing’s legitimacy as he moves forward with a largely criticized election in December that is expected to extend military rule.
Humanitarian agencies reported extensive destruction and a medical emergency in central Myanmar, with hospitals overwhelmed and medications in short supply, alongside a rising threat of waterborne diseases.
Mohamed Riyas, the Myanmar Director of the International Rescue Committee, described the humanitarian situation as “overwhelming.” He stated, “It may take weeks to fully comprehend the extent of the destruction caused by this earthquake due to downed communication networks and disrupted transport.”
“People are in urgent need of medical assistance, clean water, tents, food, and other essentials. Providing life-saving health services is critical,” he added.
Mikhael De Souza, a medical aid coordinator for MSF, mentioned that in Mandalay, the second-largest city, around 500 structures had completely collapsed, with an additional 800 sustaining partial damage.
“Many individuals are still forced to live outdoors in deplorable conditions,” he noted. “The lack of safe drinking water poses significant survival challenges.”
Military Readiness
Human rights organizations have accused the junta of hindering humanitarian efforts by enforcing strict security measures in several severely affected quake regions.
An incident highlighting the complications of delivering aid amid civil conflict occurred when junta troops reportedly fired warning shots at a Chinese Red Cross convoy that failed to stop in a conflict zone.
Junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun remarked that the group had neglected to inform the authorities of its movements.
China was one of the first countries to provide assistance to Myanmar, sending rescue teams the day after the disaster and committing to 100 million yuan (about $13.76 million) in supplies.
A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry indicated that the aid team and supplies were safe and urged all parties in Myanmar to guarantee the safety of rescuers and maintain clear relief routes.
Despite the nation facing its worst disaster in decades, the military has remained on high alert, conducting airstrikes and other operations near the affected areas, according to reports from rebel groups and Amnesty International.
Min Aung Hlaing stated that the military had ceased offensives but warned that rebels were preparing to exploit the disaster for potential attacks. A key rebel alliance announced a unilateral ceasefire earlier this week to facilitate humanitarian efforts.
Before the military’s declaration of a temporary ceasefire, Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur on Myanmar, condemned the junta’s post-quake assaults as “outrageous” and called for global leaders to denounce these actions vehemently.
Presence of Soldiers
Acquiring accurate information from areas like Sagaing has long been challenging due to a junta-imposed internet and cellphone blackout related to the ongoing conflict, which activists have urged be lifted following the earthquake.
The military has declined requests from international journalists to cover the earthquake’s aftermath, citing a lack of water, electricity, and accommodations.
“Soldiers are present throughout the town,” a man who visited Sagaing, close to the quake’s epicenter, told Reuters. “They are there for security rather than rescue operations, and they inspect every vehicle.”
Human Rights Watch, based in New York, urged the junta to permit unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and lift barriers affecting aid organizations, urging donors to channel assistance through independent entities rather than solely through junta authorities.
“Myanmar’s junta cannot be trusted to respond to a disaster of this magnitude,” stated Bryony Lau, HRW’s deputy Asia director. She implored agencies to pressure the junta to “provide full and immediate access to survivors, no matter where they are.”
A woman in Mandalay reported to Reuters that authorities were busy preparing a stage for this month’s Thingyan water festival, despite many individuals being homeless and corpses lying beneath collapsed buildings.
In Thailand, the death toll from the earthquake had risen to 22 by Wednesday, with search efforts continuing for survivors beneath the rubble of a skyscraper under construction in Bangkok, which has now entered its fifth day.
Heavy machinery was utilized to dismantle 100 tons of concrete in hopes of discovering a survivor amid the heap, where 15 individuals were confirmed dead, and 72 remain missing.
“We are continuing our search for survivors, but we are modifying our approach,” stated Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. “We are creating a path for the rescue team to access the area.”
BANGKOK: On Wednesday, Myanmar’s military junta reported that its forces fired warning shots at an aid convoy from the Chinese Red Cross, highlighting the difficulties in providing aid amid ongoing civil conflict. This comes as humanitarian organizations advocate for improved access to assist those affected by a devastating earthquake.
Since the military takeover in 2021, which ousted the elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has been gripped by turmoil and conflict. The situation has severely damaged the economy and essential services including healthcare.
According to junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun, the Chinese Red Cross did not notify local authorities about its operations in a conflict area on Tuesday night. The security team reportedly discharged rounds into the air when the convoy, which included regional vehicles, did not halt.
A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that the aid team and its supplies were unharmed, urging all parties in Myanmar to guarantee the safety of rescuers. "It’s vital to keep transportation routes for humanitarian assistance clear and operational," Guo Jiakun mentioned at a news briefing.
The warning shots were fired as Myanmar state media reported that the death toll from last Friday’s magnitude 7.7 earthquake had risen to 2,886, with 4,639 individuals injured. Many rural areas in the Sagaing region, which bore the brunt of the quake, are primarily controlled by armed resistance factions opposing the military regime, as noted by the International Crisis Group.
They added, “These areas will present substantial challenges for aid organizations due to regime constraints, fragmented local governance, and ongoing conflict.” Gathering accurate information in these regions had already been difficult before the earthquake due to a military-imposed internet and communication blackout, exacerbating the crisis.
A resident of Sagaing shared with Reuters, “Soldiers are widely present in the area. They are here for security, not rescue, and they inspect every vehicle.”
Human Rights Watch, based in New York, urged the junta to allow unrestricted access to humanitarian assistance and to remove barriers that hinder aid groups. The organization insists that donors should support independent organizations instead of solely relying on junta officials. "The military in Myanmar cannot be trusted to manage a disaster of this magnitude," emphasized Bryony Lau, the group’s deputy Asia director.
The military has refuted claims of widespread human rights abuses amid its fight against a multifaceted insurrection that arose following the coup. Rebels allege that the military has conducted airstrikes even post-quake. On Tuesday, a significant rebel coalition declared a unilateral ceasefire to facilitate relief operations.
Millions Affected
According to the United Nations, more than 28 million individuals are impacted in the six regions struck by the earthquake, with the organization allocating $12 million for emergency responses, including food, shelter, water, sanitation, mental health support, and various services.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) highlighted the ongoing crisis, stating, "The situation is dire, with disrupted communication and road access hindering response efforts, particularly in Sagaing."
Australia has announced an additional A$6.5 million (approximately $4.1 million) in humanitarian aid for Myanmar, which will be distributed through well-vetted international and local partners. In a statement, Foreign Minister Penny Wong asserted, "We are taking proactive measures to ensure our assistance does not lend credibility to the military regime in Myanmar."
A woman from Mandalay, near the earthquake’s epicenter, remarked to Reuters that authorities were constructing a stage for the upcoming Thingyan water festival, despite many residents being homeless and bodies left beneath collapsed structures. The military council has barred international journalists from covering the aftermath of the earthquake, citing shortages of water, electricity, and accommodation.
In neighboring Thailand, the quake’s toll rose to 22, with numerous buildings sustaining significant damage.
In Bangkok, the search for survivors continued beneath the rubble of a partially constructed skyscraper, which had claimed 15 lives with 72 individuals still unaccounted for. As part of the rescue effort, officials reassigned two rescue dogs to provide emotional support to the families of the missing. Children were seen comforting the golden retrievers clad in light-up vests at a temporary shelter, finding solace during these distressing times. Chanpen Keawnoi, whose mother and younger sister are among the missing, expressed, "As long as the dog keeps barking when it senses something, there’s hope someone may still be alive."
The government has launched an investigation into the building’s collapse, with preliminary tests indicating that some steel samples from the site were substandard.
Rescue teams at the scene where a building collapsed following a severe earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 29, 2025. — Reuters
Teams from India, China, Singapore, and Thailand are on the ground.
The opposition pledges to pause military offensives for two weeks.
Local residents report a lack of government aid and inadequate equipment for rescue operations.
In response to the devastation from a massive earthquake that struck Myanmar, neighboring countries have deployed warships and aircraft filled with relief supplies and rescue teams. The international aid response has been ramping up following the disaster that severely impacted this impoverished Southeast Asian nation.
According to the military government, the 7.7-magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest in the last century, resulted in at least 1,600 fatalities and left 3,400 individuals injured.
“All military and civilian hospitals must coordinate efficiently to ensure a prompt medical response,” stated Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, chief of the junta, as reported by Myanmar media.
The United States Geological Survey projected that the death toll in Myanmar could exceed 10,000, with damages potentially surpassing the nation’s annual GDP.
The tremors were felt in parts of Thailand as well, leading to the collapse of a skyscraper under construction and claiming 17 lives in the capital. Reports indicated that at least 78 individuals remained trapped beneath the rubble.
Classified as the deadliest natural calamity in Myanmar in years, the earthquake inflicted significant damage to vital infrastructure, including an airport, highways, and bridges, thereby hampering humanitarian efforts according to the United Nations.
‘No aid, no rescue workers’
The earthquake struck amid an ongoing civil war, which has intensified since the military coup in 2021 that removed the democratically elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and ignited a nationwide armed insurrection.
Ongoing hostilities have devastated Myanmar’s agriculture-based economy, displaced over 3.5 million citizens, and severely damaged essential services such as healthcare.
The National Unity Government (NUG), which consists of remnants from the previous administration, has declared that anti-junta militias will suspend all military offensives for two weeks starting Sunday.
In a statement, the NUG announced, “We, along with resistance forces, allied organizations, and civil society groups, will undertake rescue operations.”
In some of the most severely impacted areas, locals shared with Reuters that government assistance was nearly nonexistent, forcing many to manage on their own.
Han Zin, a resident from Sagaing, near the earthquake’s epicenter, described the scene: “What we’re witnessing is widespread devastation—numerous buildings have crumbled to the ground. Since the disaster, much of our town has been without electricity, and drinking water is dwindling.” He lamented, “We have not seen any relief, and there are no rescue teams in sight.”
In Mandalay, nearby the Irrawaddy River, a rescue worker reported that most operations in Myanmar’s second-largest city were being undertaken by small, self-organized local groups that lacked the necessary tools.
“We have reached collapsed structures, but some remain unstable as we work,” he said, requesting anonymity due to security matters.
Field hospital
Rescue teams feared that many individuals might still be trapped under the rubble throughout Mandalay, but most could not be rescued due to a lack of heavy machinery, as noted by another humanitarian worker and two residents.
A resident, wishing to remain unnamed, stated, “People are still stuck inside the buildings; we can’t get them out.” Hospitals in various regions, including Mandalay and Sagaing, were overwhelmed with casualties, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Countries such as India, China, and Thailand have dispatched relief supplies and teams, along with aid from Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia.
On Saturday, Indian military aircraft conducted multiple flights into Myanmar, delivering supplies and search-and-rescue personnel to Naypyitaw, the designated capital, which suffered extensive damage due to the earthquake.
The Indian army plans to establish a field hospital in Mandalay, and two navy ships carrying aid have set sail for Yangon, the commercial hub of Myanmar, as stated by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
Teams of Chinese rescue workers, including a contingent traveling from Yunnan province, have arrived, as announced by China’s embassy in Myanmar on social media.
A 78-member team from Singapore, accompanied by search and rescue dogs, has started operations in Mandalay, according to local media.
Protesters gather outside the USAID building which has closed its doors to staff following a memo urging agency personnel to work from home, in Washington, DC, on February 3, 2025. — Reuters
WASHINGTON: The U.S. government has announced plans to shut down the international aid agency USAID by July 2025, a decision influenced by President Donald Trump’s initiative to reduce foreign aid funding, which has sparked significant backlash.
In a statement released on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated, “Today, the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have informed Congress of their intention to reorganize, which will involve transferring specific functions of USAID to the Department by July 1, 2025.”
Rubio noted that the State Department also intends to “eliminate the remaining USAID functions that do not correspond with the Administration’s goals.”
He lamented, “Sadly, USAID has deviated from its original mission for quite some time. Consequently, the achievements have been limited while expenses have been substantial.”
Following his inauguration in January, President Trump enacted an executive order that froze U.S. foreign aid for 90 days.
This led to severe reductions in various USAID programs, although some exceptions were made for essential humanitarian assistance.
The aid freeze has left the independent agency, established by Congress in 1961, in a state of shock and disappointment.
Before the impending closure, USAID handled an annual budget close to $43 billion, representing over 40 percent of global humanitarian aid. Shortly after Trump’s presidency began, most of its staff were placed on administrative leave.
A memo distributed to USAID employees on Friday detailed plans to cut all positions that are not legally mandated, as reported by multiple U.S. news outlets.
In the memo, Jeremy Lewin, the acting administrator of the agency, mentioned that the State Department aims to phase out the majority of USAID’s autonomous operations in the near future.
