The death toll from a significant earthquake in Myanmar has surpassed 3,300, according to state media, while the United Nations aid chief has reiterated calls for global assistance to the disaster-stricken country.
The quake on 28 March devastated buildings and obliterated infrastructure nationwide, leading to 3,354 confirmed fatalities and 4,508 injuries, with 220 individuals reported missing, as per updated figures disclosed by state media.
More than a week after the calamity, many residents remain without shelter, forced to either sleep outdoors due to the destruction of their homes or hesitant to return indoors for fear of further collapses.
Estimates from the United Nations indicate that upwards of three million people might have been impacted by the 7.7-magnitude quake, exacerbating existing challenges stemming from four years of civil strife.
“The level of destruction is staggering,” Tom Fletcher expressed in a post on X.
China, Russia, and India were among the initial nations to extend their support.
“The world must unite to support the people of Myanmar.”
The updated death toll was revealed following the return of the military junta’s leader, Min Aung Hlaing, from a rare overseas trip to a regional summit in Bangkok, where he engaged with leaders, including the prime ministers of Thailand and India.
The general’s presence at the summit stirred controversy, with demonstrators at the venue showcasing a banner labeling him a “murderer” and anti-junta factions condemning his participation.
Since the coup in 2021, when the military seized control from the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi, the armed forces have governed Myanmar, igniting a multifaceted conflict that remains unresolved.
Reports indicate that the junta has conducted numerous assaults in the aftermath of the earthquake, with at least 16 occurring since a temporary truce was announced on Wednesday, as noted by the UN.
Years of conflict have decimated Myanmar’s economy and infrastructure, significantly obstructing international relief efforts following the earthquake.
China, Russia, and India were among the first to offer assistance, dispatching rescue teams to Myanmar to aid in locating survivors.
The United States has historically led international disaster relief initiatives, although President Donald Trump has dismantled the country’s humanitarian aid agency.
The US has announced an increase of over €6 million in addition to a prior allocation of €1.8 million in aid for Myanmar.
