Death Toll from Myanmar Earthquake Surges to 3,085 Amid Ongoing Recovery Efforts
In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago, the confirmed death toll has risen to 3,085, according to reports from the military-led government. Search and rescue teams continue their efforts to locate survivors and recover bodies, with an additional 4,715 individuals reported injured and 341 still unaccounted for.
The epicenter of the earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.7, was located near Mandalay, the country's second-largest city. The event caused widespread destruction, collapsing thousands of buildings, damaging roads, and destroying bridges across several regions.
Local media sources have indicated that the actual number of casualties may be significantly higher than the official statistics, as communication networks remain largely down and many areas are difficult to access. The World Health Organization has noted that four hospitals and one health center were completely destroyed, while another 32 hospitals and 18 health centers sustained partial damages.
With healthcare facilities overwhelmed and thousands of people in urgent need of medical attention, the United Nations has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation. "Access to healthcare has become nearly impossible in many of the worst-hit areas," a spokesperson stated. "There is an urgent need for trauma care, surgical interventions, and treatment for potential disease outbreaks."
In response to the humanitarian crisis, international aid has begun to arrive on the ground. A mobile hospital from India and a joint medical facility from Russia and Belarus are now operational in Mandalay, providing essential services to the affected population. In addition, workers in Naypyitaw are constructing large tents to accommodate the growing number of people left homeless by the quake, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
This earthquake has compounded an already dire humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where more than 3 million people were displaced and nearly 20 million required assistance prior to the disaster. The military, which seized power in 2021, declared a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday to facilitate humanitarian operations, effective until April 22. This announcement followed similar ceasefire declarations from various armed resistance groups opposed to military rule.
Despite the ceasefire, there are reports of ongoing military operations in Kachin state, where battles against the Kachin Independence Army were previously reported. The earthquake also struck this region, but there have yet to be any confirmed reports of significant damage.
In Bangkok, the earthquake's impact was felt as well, with an unfinished skyscraper collapsing and resulting in 22 fatalities and 35 injuries. Search efforts continue, as authorities reported detecting possible signs of life amidst the rubble, though no survivors have been located more than 144 hours after the event.
The full extent of the earthquake's devastation is still unfolding, and as recovery efforts progress, the international community remains watchful of the situation in Myanmar.
