The military council is forcibly collecting donations from business owners, industrial zone entrepreneurs, and business organizations from earthquake-affected Mandalay by summoning them to Naypyidaw. Additionally, business owners from Yangon are being flown to Naypyidaw under the pretext of damaged highways and being coerced to make financial contributions, according to sources within the business community. Instead of providing aid to natural disaster victims, the military council is forcibly collecting funds from business owners for their own coffers.
While people in Sagaing city are suffering from earthquake damage, the military council forces attacked Htee Saung village in Myinmu Township, Sagaing Region, with heavy artillery fire last night. The attack resulted in injuries to two civilians, and the military also conducted a raid on Allakapa village with gunfire, according to a spokesperson from the Myinmu Township News Information Group. These attacks demonstrate the military’s continued aggression against civilians even during times of natural disaster.
Areas within Amarapura Township and Sagaing Township affected by the earthquake urgently require drinking water, food supplies, and medical assistance in locations where rescue operations have not yet been possible. Local residents report that international aid and support from domestic donors are critically needed to provide emergency assistance to natural disaster victims. While the military council’s restrictions create obstacles for aid delivery, people are managing to help each other through community-based support networks and civilian assistance efforts.
