Statement regarding the Earthquake in Burma/Myanmar on the 28 March 2025

The Karen National Union (KNU) expresses our deepest condolences to the people of Burma/Myanmar for the devastating loss of life and property caused by the powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, which struck Burma/Myanmar at approximately 1pm local time on March 28, 2025.

The KNU acknowledges and is profoundly grateful for the swift and compassionate response from international governments, organizations, and local philanthropic foundations and charities, as well as individuals, who have expressed solidarity and offered support to those affected by this tragedy. It is with deep regret that we must also highlight the ongoing actions of the State Administration Council (SAC), which continues to carry out airstrikes targeting civilian areas even as the population suffers tremendously from the earthquake.

Under ordinary circumstances, the military institution would be expected to lead in response to a national crisis. However, under the current control of the SAC, the military has instead been focused on exploiting the country’s resources and privileges and deploying its forces to attack its people. As the earthquake-affected populations are located both in SAC controlled areas, and Revolutionary Forces controlled areas, the KNU calls on the international community to support coordinated efforts, based on the parallel aid processes, through local community groups that provide critical help on the ground, to reach those in urgent need.

Given the military regime’s history of misappropriating international aid, as witnessed following Cyclone Nargis in 2008, the KNU urges that robust monitoring mechanisms be established to prevent advantage being taken of humanitarian aid for political gain.

The KNU reaffirms our commitment to contributing in every possible way to address the urgent needs of the affected population.

Central Executive Committee
KNU- Karen National Union
Supreme Headquarter

Contacts:

– Saw Ner Dhu Da (Signal +66 98 687 9384)

– Naw Sophie (Signal +66 80 228 0996) E-mail: [email protected]

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