14 hours ago
UN official fears interest in Myanmar waning three months after quake
Myanmar is struggling to recover from a powerful earthquake that struck exactly three months ago. The disaster killed over 3,700 people and injured many more. One official with the United Nations Development Programme fears international concern has waned.
The magnitude 7.7 quake rocked central Myanmar on March 28. Many residents still live in tents and other temporary housing. Workers are struggling to clear rubble and restore infrastructure.
The country's second-largest city of Mandalay suffered extensive damage. A 35-year-old woman who lives in a tent with her husband and two children said she wants to rebuild their home as soon as possible, but needs financial support.
The quake flattened many offices and factories. Smaller firms have been unable to resume operations due to a shortage of funds and workers.
A 53-year-old man who runs a sewing business says he has been living off savings and needs money to tear down his damaged factory.
Titon Mitra, who heads the UNDP in Myanmar, is calling for continued global support.
He told NHK that he worries about the international community losing interest, adding that he refers to Myanmar not as a "forgotten crisis," but a "neglected crisis."
