A strong earthquake hit Myanmar, killing over 2,400 people. The military government banned foreign media from entering the affected areas, citing a lack of accommodation, electricity, and water.
Difficulties faced by local media
Local journalists already face strict restrictions. The government is being accused of hindering humanitarian aid from reaching certain areas.
Myanmar has been in a state of civil war since the 2021 coup that overthrew the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The military is still launching air attacks in areas affected by violence and disasters.
International calls for aid access
The international community is calling for unrestricted access for independent media and aid workers to the affected areas. This comes after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country, causing widespread destruction.
Myanmar Now reported that the military government’s suppression of the media is well-documented. In 2023, a journalist from the news agency was arrested while covering a cyclone and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology reported that there have been 36 aftershocks since the earthquake, ranging in magnitude from 2.8 to 7.5.
The earthquake has left over 2,400 people dead, 3,400 injured, and more than 300 missing. The epicenter was just 20 kilometers from Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, with a population of over 1.5 million people. The government has declared a state of emergency in several areas.