The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar last Friday has left over 3,085 people dead and thousands more injured, according to the latest figures from the country’s ruling military government. With 341 individuals still missing, officials warn that the death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue teams work through the debris.
The epicenter was located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, but the quake’s devastation was widespread. Reports indicate that thousands of buildings collapsed, infrastructure was severely damaged, and roads and bridges were destroyed, hampering relief efforts. The tremors were also felt in Thailand, where the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration confirmed 22 fatalities after a high-rise building under construction collapsed, trapping dozens inside.
Rescue operations in both countries have faced significant challenges. In Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, search teams had recently pulled a 63-year-old woman from the rubble after 91 hours, which, according to the fire department, was an increasingly rare success as survival rates dropped dramatically after 72 hours. International rescue teams from China, Russia, India, the UAE, and Southeast Asia have arrived to assist. However, delays in obtaining foreign aid permissions and the lack of heavy machinery have slowed progress. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has also sent a small disaster assessment team after a weekend decision to provide $2 million in emergency assistance.
In addition, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has approved an initial emergency funding allocation of $5 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to scale up life-saving support for those affected by the disaster. The funding will help deliver urgent shelter, food, and medical care to thousands of displaced families.
As relief operations continue, experts are warning of potential disease outbreaks due to damaged water and sanitation infrastructure. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) cited growing concerns over dengue fever, measles, and respiratory infections as displaced communities crowd into makeshift shelters. The upcoming monsoon season adds further urgency to securing adequate shelter.
Myanmar’s ongoing civil war has complicated relief efforts, with some conflict zones remaining inaccessible. In response, the country’s military government declared a temporary ceasefire until April 22 to ensure humanitarian aid reaches affected populations. The move followed similar unilateral ceasefire announcements by armed opposition groups, though the military warned it would still take defensive measures if necessary.
Despite past concerns about restricted access to aid, the government has publicly stated it is open to international assistance. Observers, however, remain cautious about potential obstacles to humanitarian relief given Myanmar’s history of limited foreign aid acceptance.
