May 2, 2025
Despite official claims of budget allocations for reconstruction in earthquake-affected areas, victims told New Day Myanmar that they have yet to receive any meaningful assistance.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing reportedly authorized the release of 50 billion kyats for Sagaing Region and 60 billion kyats for Mandalay Region from the National Disaster Management Fund for early rescue operations. Additionally, 10 billion kyats were reportedly allotted for Naypyidaw and 5 billion kyats for Shan State.
However, locals say these funds have not reached the people.
“We didn’t get anything at all. Not even a penny. Only charity groups gave about 30,000 kyats per household. The government gave us nothing,” said an earthquake survivor from Mandalay.
According to the junta’s own statement, as of April 24, they had received over 115.876 billion kyats in local donations, along with USD 2.437 million, 5 million Korean won, 15 million Indian rupees, 2 million Thai baht, and SGD 3,150 in foreign aid.
Yet residents in Sagaing and Naypyidaw also report receiving little to no aid.
“We’re government staff. If they were to help anyone, they should help us. But all we got was 10,000 kyats per family, 3 eggs, and two small bags of rice. That’s it,” said a civil servant in Naypyidaw.
“We’ve been sleeping in temple courtyards because we lost our homes. Even so, they told us to go back to work. If we said it wasn’t safe, they said, ‘Then work from the roadside.’ Instead of getting aid, we’re being forced to work more.”
The growing complaints underscore concerns that the junta is using disaster aid for political gain or military purposes, leaving citizens to rely largely on donations from civil society.
