Intertwined Disasters: Both Natural and Human-Made

By on April 2, 2025

The people of Burma have long struggled for justice and freedom. Since 2021, they have weathered increasingly brutal violence and oppression at the hands of a military junta. Amid the ongoing terror of this regime, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Burma on Friday, March 28. 

Now, the people of Burma face a disaster both natural and human-made. While communities struggle to recover from this deadly earthquake and its aftershocks, the military junta continues its relentless campaign of bombings against its own people. They target civilians, executing airstrikes even in quake-hit areas. The junta enforces a 10 p.m. curfew and limits communication in impacted areas, curtailing essential search and rescue efforts. 

When you can’t trust your government, who do you turn to in the aftermath of catastrophe?

In the United States, international aid distribution is restricted by the Trump administration’s attacks on USAID. Most of the qualified personnel who would have served on the response team have been terminated. As of the publication of this article, there is no team from the United States deployed in the quake zone. While the Trump administration has promised $2 million in aid, it’s unclear how they intend to distribute that relief given the gutted agency. 

In addition, when international organizations mobilize humanitarian responses, much of the aid is routed through governmental systems. For Burma, this means the same regime responsible for atrocities against civilians is being entrusted with resources for their recovery. The junta refuses assistance from international actors that are not politically aligned with the military regime. Taiwan’s offer to send a search and rescue team, which included medical personal, was ignored by the Burmese junta. 

At UUSC, we know that frontline grassroots groups are the most effective means of distributing resources. Our on-the-ground partners disperse aid directly to their community members, executing thoughtfully and efficiently as only those with localized expertise can. 

How can you show your solidarity with the people of Burma and help UUSC confront these intertwined disasters?

Donate to our emergency response fund to support UUSC’s relief efforts in Burma. Your generous gift will help our partners on-the-ground distribute aid directly to those affected. Your support will help supply lifesaving equipment and resources including meals for medical teams, temporary shelters for displaced families sleeping outdoors, fuel for rescue vehicles, rescue tools, basic medical supplies, and more.

Next, urge Congress to defend its constitutional power and reinstate essential humanitarian aid programs. Join the Resistance Network to advocate for governmental action.

Our partners in Burma continue to defend the communities the military junta seeks to destroy. As we learn more from them, we will update our members on how they can continue to show solidarity and support ongoing recovery efforts. Thank you for your steadfast support during this time of crises.

Image credit: Free Malaysia Now