As the death toll from the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar approaches 3,000, aid groups are warning that the opportunity to rescue survivors is rapidly closing. According to the ruling military junta, the toll stood at 2,719 dead, 4,521 injured, and 441 missing as of Tuesday, with many of the missing feared dead.
Striking at midday last Friday, the powerful quake flattened entire communities in Mandalay and Naypyitaw, further burdening a nation already in crisis from years of civil war. The UN and other humanitarian groups report massive needs for food, clean water, shelter, and medical supplies. Hospitals are overwhelmed and search efforts are slowed by damaged infrastructure and ongoing conflict.
A rare glimmer of hope came when a 63-year-old woman was rescued from rubble after being trapped for 91 hours in Naypyitaw.
Despite calls for peace to aid rescue efforts, reports of continued airstrikes by Myanmar’s military have emerged, with Amnesty International and rebel groups confirming attacks near quake-hit zones. In response, the Three Brotherhood Alliance—a major rebel coalition—declared a one-month ceasefire to allow relief efforts to proceed.
In Bangkok, Thailand, where the quake also caused destruction, rescue workers continue to search the ruins of a collapsed skyscraper. 21 deaths have been confirmed across Thailand, with dozens more feared trapped.
The UN warns that the situation is dire and deteriorating, with each passing hour further dimming hopes of survival for those still buried beneath rubble.