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3w ago

Myanmar Struggles to Recover as Aftershock Hits During Thingyan Festival

A 5.5-magnitude aftershock deepens the humanitarian crisis caused by the March 28 earthquake, subduing traditional celebrations and leaving millions in need of aid.

Villagers buy flowers to celebrate the traditional New Year holiday at the outskirts of Phnom Penh Cambodia, Sunday, April 13. 2025. People celebrate the traditional New Year holiday between April 14-16. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Children wearing face masks wait to throw water during the first day of annual traditional water festival also known as "Thingyan", in Yangon, Myanmar, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Local blessing dancers sit on a motor-cart as they head to dance through the villages to celebrate the traditional New Year holiday at the outskirts of Phnom Penh Cambodia, Sunday, April 13. 2025. People celebrate the traditional New Year holiday between April 14-16.(AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
A man applies Thanakha, traditional make-up, on his child’s face as they take part in the first day of annual water festival also known as "Thingyan," in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

Overview

  • A 5.5-magnitude aftershock struck central Myanmar on April 13, adding to the devastation caused by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28 that killed over 3,600 people.
  • The Thingyan water festival, traditionally a time of joy, is being observed quietly this year due to a nationwide grieving period mandated by the military government.
  • Over 5,200 buildings have been destroyed, and more than two million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, according to the UN.
  • Hundreds remain displaced, living in makeshift tent encampments with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and basic necessities.
  • Recovery efforts are hindered by political instability following the 2021 military coup and reduced international aid, with the World Food Programme forced to cut assistance to one million people this month.