China leads relief for quake-hit Myanmar. But will civil war stymie aid efforts?

China can play critical role in persuading junta and rebel groups to stop fighting to allow for relief work following devastating earthquake

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Rescuers dig through rubble in Mandalay, Myanmar on Monday following a devastating earthquake. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 5:09pm, 1 Apr 2025Updated: 6:45pm, 1 Apr 2025

Aid is pouring into Myanmar following the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that devastated the country on Friday, resulting in at least 1,700 deaths and thousands more people injured.

However, it is widely believed the final toll will be much higher because of poor communications networks and the fragmentation of the country that has resulted from years of civil war. Many roads and bridges have also collapsed, making it hard for equipment and rescuers to arrive. Many people have reportedly had to dig through the rubble with their hands.

The United States Geological Survey projected that there was a 24 per cent chance that total fatalities would be between 1,000 and 10,000, a 35 per cent possibility of 10,000 to 100,000 fatalities, and a 32 per cent chance that the death toll would exceed 100,000.

Images sent by China’s Gaofen satellites show that half of the buildings in Mandalay – Myanmar’s second-largest city and home to about 1.5 million people – have either completely collapsed or been severely damaged. Another 30 per cent had damage that was not as severe. Only 18 per cent of the buildings appeared to be intact.

The country was ill-prepared for a quake of such magnitude, and the head of the junta government made a rare plea to the international community for help.

Members of the Chinese Red Cross international emergency response team carry out rescue efforts in Mandalay, Myanmar on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

Many countries have offered help, especially Myanmar’s neighbours.