UNHCR commends China's rapid response in post-quake relief efforts in Myanmar

China

UNHCR commends China's rapid response in post-quake relief efforts in Myanmar

2025-04-09 15:10 Last Updated At：15:37

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Myanmar commended China's swift aid response to earthquake-stricken communities, while urging the global community to step up support efforts.

Days after a devastating earthquake claimed over 3,600 lives as of Tuesday, Myanmar is grappling with an intensifying humanitarian crisis. Heavy rains have added to the crisis, with the United Nations highlighting the urgent need for food, clean water, and shelter for "traumatized and fearful' survivors."

"More and more stronger support from the international community will be required in order to assist, not only the people who have been affected by this earthquake, but also 3.5 million people who have been affected by the conflict. So I do really hope that this earthquake, it's a very unfortunate event, but also put the light on the situation of Myanmar to a wider international community," said Noriko Takagi, representative of the UNHCR in Myanmar, in an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Yangon.

The China Search and Rescue Team, the China International Search and Rescue Team, and a team dispatched by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have conducted over ten days of relief operations in Myanmar. Having fulfilled their mission, they returned to China on Wednesday.

"China was one of the first countries to provide assistance to Myanmar. I think it's very commendable, and I think we do hope that this kind of collaboration will continue. I think we're just trying to reach the people in need, people who are affected, no matter where they are, despite the conflict that's happening, despite the contestation of the territory so on and so forth. I think this is the time that we have to come together and address the acute humanitarian need of the people of Myanmar," said Takagi.

Escalating Middle East tensions drive up energy prices, squeezing US consumers

Soaring oil prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East have heightened U.S. inflation pressures, with analysts warning that households face hundreds of dollars in extra costs if crude climbs further.

Data released on Tuesday by the American Automobile Association (AAA) showed that the national average price of regular gasoline in the United States has risen 18.64 percent compared with Feb. 26. The AAA data also indicated that the national average price of diesel on Tuesday was up 22.85 percent from a week earlier.

Mark Zandi, chief economist at global ratings agency Moody's, warned that U.S. consumers are being threatened by a sharp rise in fuel prices. He said that if international oil prices climb by another 10 U.S. dollars per barrel, annual spending for an average U.S. household would increase by about 450 dollars.

Zandi noted that a surge in oil prices would intensify inflationary pressure in the United States, eroding consumers' purchasing power and weighing on consumption, economic growth, and employment.

Tensions sharply escalated across the Middle East on Feb 28 when the United States and Israel launched large-scale joint airstrikes on Iran. The Iranian side has responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. assets across the region, hitting many countries in the Gulf.