The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has rocked the country with the death toll crossing 1,700. According to authorities, the toll is likely to rise as rescue efforts are underway.
Many countries including India, France, and the European Union have extended support and sent assistance. However, with the ongoing civil war, many countries are reluctant to reach out to the quake-hit country, complicating the relief efforts.
Myanmar has been embroiled in civil war since 2021 after the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Even while the rescue efforts are ongoing, there were reports of military airstrikes in regions including the Pauk township in the Mayway region.
Though the National Unity Government, which represents the ousted civilian administration, said its rebel units would pause fighting for two weeks, there have been no such announcements from the military so far.
### Understanding Myanmar's armed conflict
After Aung Suu Kyi and other leaders of her National League for Democracy party were jailed, the security forces put down pro-democracy demonstrations with force, leading to armed resistance. In several cases, the escalations and protests ended in violence.
Despite lacking weapons and manpower, the pro-democracy fighters allied with ethnic minority groups seeking autonomy.
The resistance is coordinated by the self-styled National Unity Government, whose claim to legitimacy is that it was formed by elected lawmakers. The NUG, which operates underground, has an armed wing called the People's Defence Force.
Myanmar military is continuing to carry out airstrikes despite condemnation from the United Nations and calls for it to halt all military operations in the wake of the earthquake.
Singapore's foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan said the military regime, that seized power in a coup four years ago should be focusing on saving lives and helping those in need.
The National Unity Government said that it would collaborate with the UN and international nongovernmental organisations "to ensure security, transportation, and the establishment of temporary rescue and medical camps, in the areas it controls.
Myanmar's ruling junta in a rare gesture sought the help of 'any country' as the earthquake toll is rising. In 2008, the military refused to allow in foreign rescue teams or emergency supplies after Cyclone Nargis, which claimed over a lakh lives.