Earthquake Survivors: Many people in Mandalay remain outdoors after the recent quake, battling infections, diseases, and lack of treatment.
Many Mandalay survivors are struggling post-earthquake due to lack of immediate treatment and persistent injuries.
Survivors are suffering from infections, cold, diarrhea, and chronic pain caused by challenging living conditions.
International aid is urgently required to tackle overcrowding in clinics and ensure psychological and medical care.
A Call for Support: Immediate Aid for Earthquake Survivors
In the aftermath of last month’s powerful earthquake in Myanmar, Japanese doctor Igarashi Yutaka has issued a heartfelt plea for continued international assistance. This call comes amid widespread challenges facing survivors, many of whom are struggling with persistent injuries, limited access to resources, and challenging living conditions. The earthquake, which hit Myanmar’s second-largest city, Mandalay, has left neighborhoods in ruins and healthcare systems overstretched.
Dr. Igarashi, part of Japan’s emergency relief team, has been at the forefront of medical care since his arrival in Myanmar on April 4. Specializing in advanced critical care, he has treated numerous patients daily for bone fractures, infections, and other injuries sustained during the earthquake or evacuation attempts. However, his observations on-site paint a grim picture: many survivors delayed seeking treatment to care for their families, only visiting doctors when their wounds worsened and became infected. This lag has compounded their suffering, especially as they battle illnesses like diarrhea and colds while living outdoors.
The Struggles of Daily Life Post-Quake
Over two weeks since the initial disaster, thousands of Mandalay residents remain displaced, living in makeshift accommodations or entirely outdoors. The toll of such conditions is amplified during the current humid weather, leading to an increase in infections and preventable diseases. Chronic issues such as back and leg pain are also surfacing among the population, especially those who lost their homes and are now forced to sleep on the ground without adequate support or mattresses.
Adding to the ordeal is the overflowing state of local clinics, which have become hubs of overcrowding and frustration. The shortage of medical practitioners and resources further exacerbates the crisis, leaving many with untreated symptoms. Financial struggles also mean that even those who wish to seek care cannot afford the required medical services, contributing to the climbing health crisis in the region. Restoring local healthcare systems will take time, but survivors need timely support to avoid worsening conditions and prevent long-term health ramifications.
Recognizing the Human Angle: Psychological and Emotional Toll
Alongside physical ailments, there is a significant emotional toll on survivors suffering from bereavement and post-traumatic stress. Losing loved ones in the earthquake, combined with the trauma of displacement, has created an urgent need for psychological support programs. Dr. Igarashi identifies grief management as a critical area requiring immediate attention, as survivors are not only dealing with material losses but also emotional injuries that could affect their long-term well-being.
Furthermore, as foreign medical teams begin returning to their homes, the absence of international aid can create a significant void in care. Many survivors depend on these professionals for both medical and emotional support during their recovery. Hence, Dr. Igarashi’s plea underscores the importance of sustaining foreign aid efforts until local institutions are back to functioning at full capacity.
Delivering Long-Term Solutions
The current crisis highlights the urgent need for robust international collaboration in the immediate and extended aftermath of natural disasters like this earthquake. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and humanitarian agencies must unite in providing funds, medical supplies, and expertise. Beyond immediate relief, there’s a critical necessity to develop sustainable recovery plans that include rebuilding infrastructure, training local medical professionals, and equipping healthcare centers with essential supplies.
For Myanmar to recover effectively, global support must be unwavering. Countries with advanced disaster response technologies, such as Japan, must partner with local governments to create resilient systems capable of absorbing similar shocks in the future. Advocacy for disaster preparedness and climate-smart infrastructure may help fortify vulnerabilities that multiply the impact of such calamities. Equally, addressing systemic issues like poverty and inequity can build a stronger foundation, ensuring communities can withstand and bounce back more effectively from crises.
Commentary
The Global Moral Responsibility: Why Helping Myanmar Matters
In times of disaster, the sense of shared humanity transcends borders, culture, and identity, urging international communities to come together to provide essential help to those in need. Events like the recent earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, serve as stark reminders of the fragility of human life and the critical role of global solidarity. Despite the physical distance, the call to action should resonate deeply with anyone attuned to the idea that we are all interconnected, especially during times of crisis.
The resilience shown by the survivors of the earthquake is admirable, yet it is unjust to leave them to face these battles alone. They are not only fighting visible, physical injuries but also grappling with psychological scars and health risks that compound as resources run scarce. Continued international aid in the form of financial contributions, medical expertise, and emotional support can make a tangible difference in restoring their dignity and offering them a viable path toward healing and recovery. Ignoring such a call would signify a dangerous erosion of global empathy and collective responsibility.
Sustained Support: A Responsibility, Not an Option
Dr. Igarashi’s appeal highlights the critical gaps in Myanmar’s healthcare infrastructure exposed by the quake. However, this is a recurrent pattern of vulnerability during crises in developing nations, where systemic inefficiencies heighten human suffering. If we, as a global community, fail to act decisively, we risk allowing this cycle to persist indefinitely. Any meaningful intervention requires not just short-term support but long-term investments, equipping Myanmar with the tools it needs to respond to future disasters more effectively.
Lastly, staying engaged in global humanitarian efforts is not just an act of charity but a reinforcement of shared morals and mutual reliance. What happens in one part of the world inevitably impacts us all, whether in terms of economics, environment, or geopolitics. When we aid others, we sow the seeds of solidarity and lay the groundwork for global resilience.