Between Aftershocks & Airstrikes in Myanmar – Accounts of Compounding Harm + Need

15 July 2025
Authors: Lway Mownt Noon, Samantha Holmes, Chris Rush and Florian Weigand

The March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar devastated rural areas already deeply affected by ongoing armed conflict. Yet, despite the disaster, the military junta (SAC) continued airstrikes further exacerbating humanitarian suffering. The authors argue that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) becomes critical in such compounded crises. Conflict parties are required to consider the heightened vulnerability of civilians in disaster-affected environments, particularly under the principles of precaution and proportionality. Blocking humanitarian aid in these contexts may violate IHL norms, including the principle of distinction and the obligation to allow unimpeded humanitarian access. Local solidarity has played a key role in filling the gaps left by international inaction, though such efforts have faced repression by the SAC. The authors call for accountability for attacks in disaster-affected areas, prioritised aid to non-SAC-controlled areas via trusted local actors, investment in long-term recovery – including mental health and infrastructure – and an integrated disaster-conflict response, especially ahead of the monsoon season. Without urgent and coordinated action, harm + need will only deepen in what is increasingly a natural crisis compounded by conflict.