The death toll from the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Myanmar has climbed to 3,085, as search and rescue teams continue efforts to find survivors amid widespread destruction.
According to Myanmar’s military-led government, 4,715 people have been injured, while 341 others are still missing after the earthquake struck near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, nearly a week ago.
Thousands of buildings have collapsed, roads and bridges have been destroyed, and several areas remain cut off due to the disaster. The earthquake has worsened an already challenging situation in Myanmar, which has been facing an ongoing civil conflict between the military and resistance groups.
Local media reports suggest that the actual number of casualties could be higher than official figures, as many affected regions are still inaccessible and communication networks remain down.
Authorities have warned that the death toll could continue to rise in the coming days as rescue teams work to reach those trapped under rubble.
The earthquake has added to Myanmar’s existing humanitarian crisis. Before the disaster, the United Nations estimated that over 3 million people were already displaced and nearly 20 million people needed urgent aid.
To help relief efforts, Myanmar’s military announced a temporary ceasefire that will last until April 22 to allow humanitarian assistance to reach affected areas. Both the military and resistance groups have agreed to suspend hostilities, although the military warned that it would take “necessary” actions against any group that misuses the ceasefire to regroup or plan attacks.
The effects of the earthquake were also felt in neighboring Thailand, where a skyscraper under construction collapsed in Bangkok, killing 22 people and injuring 35 others. Rescue workers in Bangkok are still searching for survivors, and Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that a possible sign of life was detected in the rubble.
Aid agencies and international organizations have expressed concern over the growing crisis in Myanmar. Relief groups have called for urgent assistance to help those affected by both the earthquake and the ongoing conflict.
With search and rescue operations still underway, Myanmar continues to face one of its worst natural disasters in recent history.
