Local charity organizations in Mahaaungmye Township, Mandalay Region, have revealed that township administrative offices and ward administrators have misappropriated financial donations and relief supplies intended for victims of the March 28 earthquake. Following the earthquake, donors and humanitarian organizations were instructed to deliver their contributions only to township and ward administrative offices. The donated items included emergency water supplies, food, medicines, and monetary contributions from various donors.
Although the administrative bodies officially recorded these donations in their ledgers, none of the aid has been distributed to the affected population even after two months. Particularly in Mahaaungmye Township’s 41st, 86th, and 87th streets, ward administrators have been accused of using earthquake relief funds for ward expenses without proper accounting and reportedly reselling donated dry rations, medicines, and emergency relief supplies intended for earthquake victims. Local residents have reported that these misappropriations are widespread across various wards in Mandalay.
More than two months after the earthquake, affected residents have received no assistance from the military council, and many damaged buildings remain in a precarious state as owners cannot afford demolition costs, posing ongoing safety risks to residents. Adding to their hardships, authorities continue to collect military service fees from residents even as they struggle with earthquake damage. There are also allegations that administrative bodies are showing favoritism by prioritizing their relatives when compiling lists of damaged houses. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by earthquake victims who are not only dealing with natural disaster impacts but also systematic exploitation by local authorities appointed by the military council.
