Myanmar Earthquake Brings Both Devastation and Opportunity for Military Junta
The recent 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has brought immense suffering to the war-torn nation, with at least 62 people killed and hundreds more injured. However, for the country’s reviled military leadership, the disaster has also presented an unexpected opportunity to consolidate power and project an image of authority.
The earthquake, which hit the central Sagaing region on January 8th, caused widespread damage, with buildings crumbling and landslides blocking crucial roads. In the aftermath, the military-led government has scrambled to coordinate relief efforts, a task made more challenging by the ongoing civil unrest that has gripped the country since the 2021 coup.
Yet, even as the junta struggles to respond to the humanitarian crisis, experts suggest that the disaster could ultimately benefit the military’s grip on power. By positioning themselves as the primary responders and decision-makers in the relief efforts, the generals can leverage the situation to bolster their legitimacy both domestically and internationally.
“The military sees this as an opportunity to show the world that they are in control and capable of managing crises,” said Kyaw Win, executive director of the Burma Human Rights Network. “They want to portray themselves as the saviors of the people, even as they continue to violently suppress the pro-democracy movement.”
Indeed, the junta has wasted little time in showcasing its disaster response, with state media outlets providing extensive coverage of the military’s efforts to distribute aid, clear debris, and coordinate with international organizations. This narrative, however, stands in stark contrast to the regime’s ongoing brutality against civilians, which has included mass killings, arbitrary arrests, and the widespread use of torture.
The earthquake’s impact has also highlighted the vulnerability of Myanmar’s infrastructure, much of which has been neglected or intentionally undermined by the military during its decades-long rule. This, in turn, has allowed the junta to frame the disaster as a testament to the need for strong, centralized leadership – a message that resonates with some segments of the population who crave stability and security amid the chaos.
Yet, for the majority of Myanmar’s citizens, the military’s opportunistic response to the earthquake is yet another painful reminder of the regime’s callousness and disregard for the well-being of the people. As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster, the struggle for democracy and human rights remains an uphill battle, made all the more challenging by the military’s efforts to capitalize on the crisis.
