Myanmar earthquake: A nation unprepared for disaster

Myanmar struggles with earthquake aftermath amid civil war devastation, facing dire humanitarian crisis and aid challenges.

Ravaged by four years of civil war, Myanmar is ill-prepared to cope with the destruction brought by Friday's (March 28, 2025) massive earthquake.

The 7.7-magnitude quake that struck central Myanmar has killed more than 1,600 people and destroyed thousands of homes.

But the bloody conflict sparked by the 2021 military coup has brought the country's infrastructure, healthcare system and power network to their knees.

Here are some of the challenges facing relief efforts in Myanmar:

Myanmar earthquake: Follow LIVE updates on March 30, 2025

The United Nations and aid agencies have warned that millions were already facing a dire humanitarian crisis before the quake, and are now in urgent need of yet more aid.

Much of the country was already plagued by a punishing mix of conflict, poverty and instability after the civil war that left 3.5 million people displaced and smashed the economy.