More than 100,000 homes have been destroyed due to arson by the military and affiliated groups since Myanmar's military coup over three years ago, according to data released by Data for Myanmar on 11 September. The report states that 101,463 civilian homes were burned during this period.
The arson incidents have primarily targeted towns and villages in areas where armed resistance against the military has been strong. Communities supporting revolutionary forces have been particularly affected, with military and subordinate groups systematically setting homes ablaze in an effort to quell resistance.
According to the data, 2,111 homes were destroyed in 2021, 46,856 in 2022, 31,484 in 2023, and 31,012 homes by the end of July 2024. The Sagaing Region accounted for the largest number of destroyed homes, with 73,114 houses—more than 72% of the total. Other affected regions include Magway, Mandalay, Rakhine State, and Chin State, where 23,113 homes were completely destroyed.
The destruction has severely impacted the security, economy, and social well-being of local residents. Many villagers are still displaced, facing food shortages and psychological distress, and are unable to receive adequate aid, according to the Data for Myanmar report. The long-term effects include socio-economic suffering and the potential loss of cultural and historical heritage, which may take years to recover.
The report added that local media and organizations collaborated with the NASA FIRMS fire alarm system, Google Earth, and satellite imagery to verify the data, cross-referencing it with reliable ground sources. However, incidents in areas such as Karenni, Kachin State, and around Buthidaung Town have not been fully accounted for, meaning the reported figures may be lower than the actual number of homes destroyed.
The report noted that these figures only reflect the damage caused by the military and its affiliates. Crimes committed by other armed groups or involving non-residential buildings were not included.
Data for Myanmar is an independent research organization that collects, studies, and analyzes information to inform the public.
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