CNI News

5 April 2025

The Federal Union Alliance (FUA) has sent a letter to the US Embassy requesting the release of one billion US dollars belonging to Myanmar held by the US government to help the earthquake-affected people in Myanmar carry out rehabilitation work, U Htet Aung Kyaw, vice chairman of the National Democratic Force Party, member of the FUA, told CNI News.

On April 2, 2025, the Federal Union Alliance (FUA) issued a statement calling for the release of $1 billion owned by the Myanmar government that were withheld by the US government due to the political crisis in Myanmar in 2021 to be used for the rehabilitation of the Burmese people. 

They had to make a decision to ask that money because it was a time of the public need; because it was a humanitarian request, they didn't think that the US government would refuse it, U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News.

"It is known that under the NLD government, one billion dollars was deposited in the United States. We don't know exactly why it was deposited. We also found out when the NUG requested permission from the US government to release it. The US government has frozen it without issuing any organization.  We made a decision to request the US government to release it because the public is desperately in need of money. We don't think that the US government will refuse because it's a humanitarian request. So, we sent a letter to the US Embassy."

While seeing the statement released by the FUA

The Federal Union Alliance (FUA) was formed on December 7, 2024, by five political parties, with the aim of creating a union state based on democracy and federalism for the future of Myanmar. 

The five parties are the National Democratic Front Party (NDF), the Tai Leng (Shanni) National Development Party (TNDP), the Naga National Party (NNP), the Karen People’s Party (KPP), and the Kachin State People’s Party (KSPP). Because the money deposited is owned by Myanmar, the people should accept to take the money, chairman of the TNDP Sai Htay Aung told CNI News.

" This money is state-owned. The people should accept it whenever it is withdrawn. I can't say exactly how much it will cost for the rehabilitation. So, it is necessary for the US to issue the money back. The people also should accept the money. The people accepted the money in the past. But some people prevented the US from issuance. So, the US didn't issue it." he said.

While seeing the devastation caused by the earthquake

If the money that the US has kept is issued, the current government must take the accountability whether it arrives in the hands of the people or not, he added.

" The current government must take the accountability whether the money arrives in the hands of the people. The people will know if the US announces it has issued the money. The government must present to people if it has accepted the money. It must be carried out in accordance with the law, I think." he said.

A very strong earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale and subsequent aftershocks struck Myanmar on March 28. The earthquake killed 3,085 people, injured 4,715, and left 341 missing in Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, and Naypyidaw Council area, according to the latest list released by SAC as of 8 a.m. on April 3.

CNI News

5 April 2025

Thai PM Paetongtarn and the chairman of the State Administration Council Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing separately discussed in Bangkok on the morning of April 4, 2025. 

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Bangkok on April 3 to attend the summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

And then, the StAC chairman attended the BIMSTEC Summit Honorary Dinner hosted by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn. 

On April 4, Ser-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Paetongtarn held a private meeting. Although details of the discussion are not yet known, according to those close to the discussion, they discussed the matters relating to holding elections in Myanmar, rehabilitation of the earthquake victims, economic situations of the two countries and the peace and stability of the border areas of the two countries. 

The SAC Chairman Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing separately met and discussed with Nepali PM on April 3.

CNI News
4 April 2025

Indian Prime Minister separately met and discussed with the chairman of the State Administration Council Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in the morning on April 4, 2025 in Bangkok. 
Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Bangkok, Thailand to attend the summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). 
Indian PM Modi also arrived in Bangkok to attend the BIMSTEC summit.

Although details of the discussion are not yet known, those close to the discussion said that they discussed conditions for holding elections, rehabilitation work for earthquake victims, economic situations of the two countries and the situation for the peace and stability in the border areas of the two countries.

The SAC Chairman Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing separately met and discussed with Nepali PM on April 3.

CNI News

4 April 2025

India's Medical team has opened a temporary hospital at the old airfield in Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay Region, Myanmar, and is providing healthcare. 

India sent a 118-member battle-field hospital team to Mandalay and the team built a 200-bed temporary hospital and is providing healthcare service to the Myanmar people affected by the earthquake.

The makeshift hospital has been providing healthcare, including surgical procedures to 104 patients, reported the Indian Embassy in Myanmar. Those who want to receive medical treatments and have medical check-ups reportedly can contact 0994245995, 0969239701.

India is providing relief and assistance, including humanitarian aids, to Myanmar in response to the earthquake that struck on March 28.

CNI News

4 April 2025

Special Representative of the Government of Japan and the chairman of the Nippon Foundation, Sasakawa said that the foundation would provide aids equivalent to $ 3 million to the Myanmar people affected by the earthquake.

He said the above during his discussion on the earthquake-hit situations with the chairman of the State Administration Council Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing on April 2, 2025.

When he met with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, Sasakawa donated 50 backpacks containing 14 types of relief supplies, 60 relief helmets, and 1 box of gloves for use in earthquake relief efforts.

And then, the Nippon Foundation will donate food and other necessary supplies worth US$3 million to the Myanmar people affected by the earthquake.

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake and subsequent aftershocks on March 28 have killed 2,866 people, injured 4,639, and left 373 missing in Myanmar as of 8 a.m. on April 2, reported the SAC.

The Japanese relief and assistance team has arrived in Myanmar and is carrying out relief and assistance activities for the people affected by the earthquake.

CNI News

4 April 2025

As efforts are being made to help and rescue the people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar, he wanted toll gates on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway to temporarily suspend collecting road use fees, said U Nyo Ohn Myint, a diplomatic expert.

Because of a very strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck centering in Sagaing, near Mandalay, and aftershocks, there were so many casualties and damage to buildings in Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Magway Regions, Naypyidaw Council Territory and Shan State.

Members of the public including help and rescue teams from local and abroad are carrying out supporting necessary items and food to the people affected by the earthquake.

While seeing earthquake relief workers

" I want toll gates on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway to temporarily suspend collection of funds for an emergency period of 30 days or something like this because all the travellers including vehicles of philanthropist asociations, logistics, government matters and rescue matters have to wait in line. Because the car engine was left on, while they are waiting, it's like burning diesel and gasoline wastefully." said U Nyo Ohn Myint.

As a result of the powerful earthquake, the current death toll in Myanmar from March 28 to 8 a.m. on April 3 is 3,085, with 4,715 injured and 341 missing. In addition, thousands of homes, hotels, religious buildings, and contractor buildings have collapsed, as have the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway and bridges.

CNI News

4 April 2025

A very powerful earthquake and aftershocks rocked Myanmar on March 28. As a result of the earthquake, people were killed, injured and missing by the thousands in Sagaing, Mandalay Regions and Naypyidaw Council Territory.

And then, a rescue team from Russia is carrying out relief and rescue operations in Mandalay and providing healthcare service to earthquake victims after opening a hospital there. 

The hospital has been opened at Mandalar Thiri Football Stadium, on the corner of 68th and 107th Streets, Chan Mya Thazi Township, Mandalay Region.

CNI News

4 April 2025

The Myanmar Tatmadaw announced a temporary ceasefire in operations against armed opposition groups from 2nd to 22nd April in order to ensure stability and peace for the earthquake victims and for the recovery work to be carried out.

Due to a very powerful earthquake that rocked on March 28 and some aftershocks, there were so many casualties and, roads, bridges and buildings were also damaged in the earthquake-hit areas.

So, the State Administration Council is vigorously carrying out relief and rehabilitation activities, reported the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

"The Myanmar Tatmadaw has announced a temporary ceasefire in operations against armed opposition groups from 2nd to 22nd April to express sympathy and understanding to the people of the entire country affected by the earthquake, and to expedite relief and rehabilitation work." said in the announcement.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw has warned EAOs and other armed organizations not to harass and attack public transportation routes; not to damage the life and property of the people, not to attack the military camps where security forces have been deployed for security and rule of law,  During the declared temporary ceasefire; not to gather forces and not to expand territories during the declared ceasefire. If these demands are not met, the Myanmar Tatmadaw will take necessary actions to protect the people, released the office of the commander in chief of the defense services on April 2.

The Myanmar military has issued 22 ceasefire states since December 21, 2018. And then, it offered armed opposition groups to solve the political problem through political means on September 26, 2024.

The Northern Alliance that is made up of the AA, the TNLA and the MNDAA, which is currently engaged in fierce fighting with the Myanmar Tatmadaw, announced a temporary
ceasefire from 1st to 30th April.

In the same way, the National Unity Government (NUG) has issued a temporary ceasefire as well.

CNI News

3 April 2025

Although it was likely to rain in earthquake hit areas in a few days, it would not rain heavily, U Hla Tun, director of the Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology, told CNI News. 

According to the measurements, a low-pressure area may form in the Bay of Bengal around April 5 or 6. There is currently no indication of a storm.Forecasts are made only after a low pressure area has formed , he said.

"The main areas where rain is likely to fall are southern Myanmar, the delta region, Bago, Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Mon, Tanintharyi and Shan State. And it may rain in Kachin State and upper part of Sagaing Region. It may rain in earthquake hit areas, but they won't get much rain. But if a storm entered, it could rain much. At the moment, there is no possibility of a storm. But if it rains heavily, it is dangerous. Because of the rain, the underlying soil may collapse and cause damage." said U Hla Tun.

While dead bodies of those who were killed by the earthquake have been put on the road

After a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck in Myanmar on March 28, so many homes and buildings were destroyed. Moreover, aftershocks were striking until 1st April. So, the people did not dare to sleep in their homes and they have to sleep on roads.

In addition, due to the hot weather and the fact that the dead bodies have not yet been fully taken out from the collapsed buildings, a foul smell is emanating from the rubble, according to rescue teams.

While rescue efforts were being conducted to take out those trapped under the bottom of a collapsed building

At a situation like this, if it rains, collapsed buildings may be more dangerous and local people must be take care of their health, Dr. Tin Maung Cho, health officer at the Bagan District Public Health Department, told CNI.

" It's important to get purified water and environmental hygiene is important as well. Water is the main. If there is no water, you can suffer heat stroke. And you can suffer diseases regarding skin. And if you don't get fresh air, you may get diarrhea." said Dr. Tin Maung Cho.

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that rocked Myanmar on March 28 has killed more than 2,000 people and injured more than 4,000 up to now, according to the SAC.