The death toll from the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago has climbed to 3,085, according to the country’s military-led government.
Search and rescue teams continue to recover bodies, and local officials report that 4,715 people have been injured, with 341 others still missing.
The earthquake, which hit Friday near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, caused widespread destruction, bringing down thousands of buildings, collapsing bridges, and buckling roads.
The epicenter was in a region already grappling with severe challenges, compounded by the ongoing civil conflict between the military junta and armed resistance groups.
Local media reports suggest the true scale of the disaster could be far worse than the official figures, as telecommunications are down across much of the affected areas and many regions remain inaccessible.
As rescue efforts continue, authorities warn that the death toll may rise significantly in the coming days.
The earthquake’s impact has intensified Myanmar’s already dire humanitarian crisis. Prior to the disaster, more than 3 million people had been displaced, and nearly 20 million others were in need of urgent assistance, according to the United Nations.
The situation has been further complicated by ongoing fighting between the military and resistance forces, which has hindered relief efforts in several regions.
In an effort to address the mounting humanitarian needs, Myanmar’s military announced a temporary ceasefire Wednesday, which is set to last until April 22.
The ceasefire is aimed at facilitating aid deliveries, with both the military and resistance groups agreeing to suspend hostilities. However, the military warned that it would still take “necessary” actions against any groups that use the ceasefire to regroup, train, or launch attacks.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Thailand, the earthquake also caused significant damage. In Bangkok, a skyscraper under construction collapsed, killing 22 people and injuring 35 others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities reporting that a possible sign of life was detected amid the rubble. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed the continued search for survivors in the city.
The international community has expressed concern over the growing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, with aid agencies calling for urgent assistance to those affected by both the earthquake and the ongoing conflict.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of the natural disaster, the need for coordinated relief efforts remains critical.
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