The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago has risen to 3,085, with search and rescue teams uncovering more bodies, according to the military-led government.
Humanitarian aid groups are urgently working to provide medical care and shelter for survivors.
Myanmar’s Military announces ceasefire to aid quake relief as death toll exceeds 3,000
In a brief statement, the military reported that 4,715 people were injured and 341 are still missing.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake, which struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, on Friday, caused widespread destruction, collapsing thousands of buildings, buckling roads, and destroying bridges across multiple regions.
Local media reports suggest that the casualty figures are likely higher than the official numbers, and with widespread telecommunications outages and many areas difficult to access, the death toll is expected to increase as more information becomes available.
The World Health Organization reported that, according to initial assessments, four hospitals and one health center were completely destroyed, and another 32 hospitals and 18 health centers sustained partial damage.
The U.N. stated that “infrastructure has been severely compromised, and with patient numbers surging, access to healthcare has become nearly impossible in many of the worst-hit areas.” The organization added that thousands are urgently in need of trauma care, surgical interventions, and treatment for potential disease outbreaks.
A mobile hospital from India and a joint Russian-Belarusian hospital are now operating in Mandalay.
As many people have been left homeless and others are staying away from their homes due to the fear of aftershocks, workers in Naypyitaw are setting up large tents in open fields to provide temporary shelter in the extreme heat of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
In Mandalay, local residents offered slices of watermelon to Chinese volunteers taking a break from the heat.
Survivors still being found after Myanmar quake but military threatens relief
More than 1,550 international rescuers are working alongside local teams, as reported by the military. Rescue equipment and supplies have been sent by 17 countries.
Myanmar’s military, which took power in 2021 following the overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically elected government, is embroiled in an ongoing civil conflict. The earthquake has compounded the already severe humanitarian crisis, with over 3 million people displaced and nearly 20 million in need of aid, as reported by the U.N.
Amid concerns that ongoing fighting might hinder humanitarian efforts, the military announced a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday, effective until April 22. This followed ceasefire declarations by armed resistance groups opposed to the military’s rule.
However, the military stated that it would still take “necessary” actions against groups using the ceasefire to regroup, train, or launch attacks.
Local media in Kachin state reported ongoing military actions in several areas, although these reports could not be independently verified. The Kachin Independence Army, which has been fighting the military, also declared a ceasefire on Wednesday but maintained the right to defend itself. The cause of the reported fighting remains unclear.
The earthquake also affected Kachin, though no significant damage has been reported there.
In Bangkok, where the quake caused the collapse of a skyscraper under construction, the search for survivors and bodies continued. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that a possible sign of life had been detected in the rubble, but by the end of the day, no survivors had been found. The collapse of the building resulted in 22 deaths and 35 injuries.