MYANMAR EARTHQUAKE: SUPPORT GRASSROOTS RESCUE EFFORTS
A devastating earthquake has struck Myanmar, leaving a trail of destruction and a desperate need for aid. Punk Ethics is joining forces with No Sweat to launch this urgent crowdfunder to help support grassroots rescue and relief efforts.
The situation is critical, and your help is vital. Through our contacts with Food Not Bombs Myanmar and the Burmese trade union movement under the CTUM we will fund the supply of much needed essentials aid directly to the support networks of people on the frontline. This is solidarity not charity.
DISASTER AND DENIAL: EARTHQUAKE RESCUE AND MILITARY DICTATORSHIP
On 28 March 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the Sagaing region of Myanmar, followed by a significant 6.4 magnitude aftershock and over 200 smaller tremors. This caused widespread damage in Sagaing, Mandalay, Shan State, Bago Region and Nay Pyi Taw, with impacts felt in neighbouring countries like China and Thailand.
The earthquake devastated Myanmar's cultural heritage, including pagodas, Mandalay Palace, state buildings, monasteries, mosques, universities, schools, roads, a river bridge, a dam, hotels, and countless homes. Hospitals and health facilities were also severely affected.
Tragically, the death toll exceeds 3,500, with thousands more injured and an estimated 18.3 million people affected. Rescue teams have been searching for survivors trapped in collapsed buildings for the past two weeks, but hopes are dwindling.
Relief efforts are severely insufficient due to inadequate facilities and reports that the military junta has restricted the entry of international rescue teams. Volunteer rescue organisations and local people are bravely stepping up to find survivors, showing incredible community solidarity. However, the military has imposed a 10pm curfew, impeding search and rescue operations in the critical race against time. Worryingly, if they do not stop, they can be arrested or conscripted for military service. Some volunteer rescue workers have faced abuse from the authorities; at least one volunteer helping to evacuate people from damaged buildings in Mandalay was physically and verbally assaulted by soldiers for not following their instructions to stop the relief, and this was before the 10pm curfew.
In connection to the wider conflict against the military regime that has been raging for the past three years, despite some armed resistance groups declaring a ceasefire to facilitate aid following the earthquake, the military has continued its aerial bombardments and heavy weapons attacks against the population.
Information on the full extent of deaths and damage is limited due to a lack of rescue facilities, the absence of independent media, and restrictions on international journalists. Survivors are enduring critical shortages of electricity and clean drinking water.
WHERE IS THE MONEY GOING?
Money from this crowdfunder will go to grassroots rescue workers on the ground through the networks of Food Not Bombs Myanmar and the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar.
Food Not Bombs Myanmar is a grassroots collective deeply connected to the country's punk rock scene, originating around 2013 from the activism of punks associated with The Rebel Riot. Embodying punk DIY spirit and social awareness, they directly address poverty by distributing free vegetarian food to people most in need, particularly homeless street kids, operating outside traditional charity structures, instead focusing on solidarity and direct action. Punk Ethics has worked closely with Food Not Bombs Myanmar for the past decade and is raising funds to help them provide food to people in the earthquake region.
Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM) is an independent trade union federation that acts as an umbrella organisation, bringing together various trade unions across different sectors, representing over 60,000 workers. The CTUM has been actively involved in rescue and relief efforts since earthquake hit, with their rescue teams working tirelessly in Mandalay and Sagaing. No Sweat has been working in solidarity with the CTUM and its member unions in their struggle against the military dictatorship since the coup in 2021.
WHAT WILL THE MONEY BE SPENT ON?
The funds raised will directly resource grassroots solidarity networks providing essential aid in the affected areas. This includes:
- Food (rice, cooking oil, dry foods, etc.) and clean drinking water – the foundation of survival.
- Tents and mats for shelter – providing refuge and a space for safety.
- Emergency toilets and sanitation – crucial for preventing disease in devastated areas.
- Generators for power – restoring vital electricity for communication and basic needs.
- Water purifiers – ensuring access to safe drinking water, a basic human right.
- Fuel for transport and excavators – enabling rescue and the transport of the injured.
SOLIDARITY NOT CHARITY
The people of Myanmar face unimaginable hardship as a consequence of the earthquake at a time when they are fighting for their survival against a brutal military regime. They need our help.
Your contribution, no matter how small, is an act of solidarity that directly helps these vital grassroots networks, amplifying their ability to provide crucial aid and support. Donate now and express your solidarity with the people of Myanmar, help their efforts to rebuild their lives and their communities.