YANGON, Myanmar – The death toll from the massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar last Friday has risen to over 2,700, with fears that the number could significantly increase as rescue efforts continue. The earthquake, which was the most powerful to hit the Southeast Asian nation in over a century, has left thousands injured and hundreds missing.
On Tuesday, Myanmar observed a moment of silence to honor the victims, with sirens sounding across the country at 12:51 PM local time, marking the exact moment the earthquake occurred. The military administration has declared a week of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast on official buildings until April 6.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's military leader, warned that the death toll might soon exceed 3,000. As of now, more than 4,500 people are injured, and about 441 remain unaccounted for. The likelihood of finding more survivors is dwindling, with most of the missing presumed dead due to the passage of time since the disaster.
Despite the grim outlook, rescue teams have made remarkable discoveries. A 63-year-old woman was pulled from the rubble over 90 hours after the quake, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dire situation. However, such instances are rare, and the focus is shifting from rescue to recovery and aid distribution.
Aid organizations are facing significant challenges in providing essential supplies like food, water, and shelter to affected communities. The ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar has further complicated relief efforts, with reports of the military blocking access to certain areas. The United Nations has highlighted that the earthquake has exacerbated an already critical humanitarian situation in the country.
International support is pouring in, with several countries deploying rescue teams and pledging funds for reconstruction. The ACT Alliance has announced a humanitarian appeal to support the affected populations. Despite these efforts, concerns remain that aid may not reach those who need it most due to the country's complex political landscape.
In neighboring Thailand, at least 20 people lost their lives, primarily due to the collapse of a construction site in Bangkok. Rescue operations there are also ongoing, though hopes of finding survivors are fading.
As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, the international community continues to offer support and assistance. The true scale of the disaster is still unfolding, but it is clear that the impact will be felt for a long time to come.