The Military Junta has finally provided financial assistance to households affected by the March 28 earthquake in Inle Lake, Nyaungshwe Township, southern Shan State—delivered more than five months late and timed just ahead of the planned election.

On September 8, the Shan State government under the Military Junta—formally known as the State Security and Peace Commission—distributed over 5 billion kyat (around USD 1.14 million) to affected households.

A man in his 30s from the Inle area told SHAN that the timing of the aid raises concerns about election motives.

“It’s good that they are coming to provide financial assistance. However, the earthquake happened months ago. In the meantime, Inle has also faced floods and storms. I don’t know if this aid money is from the state or from international assistance. Providing aid so close to the election could be a tactic or a form of campaigning,” he said.

Locals say many earthquake victims are still struggling to rebuild their homes and remain in temporary shelters.

A young activist from the Inle area noted that only five villages—Kaylar, Tha Lae U, Heya, Myaungwa Gyi, and Nyaungwun—were included in the distribution list, leaving other affected villages without support.

“Yesterday’s aid distribution only covered five villages. Other affected villages should also receive their share. We don’t know the exact amount per household yet; we are still observing. It’s not clear if those with more damage will receive more aid,” he said.

He added that Heya village tract alone received 1 billion kyat. With around 100 houses damaged, each household there is expected to receive about 10 million kyat.

The powerful earthquake on March 28 killed at least 40 people and damaged nearly 4,000 homes in the Inle Lake area.