Death Toll Rises to Over 3,000 Following Myanmar Earthquake

The death toll from the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago has risen to 3,085, according to the military-led government. Search and rescue teams continue to uncover more bodies as efforts intensify, while humanitarian aid groups scramble to provide survivors with critical medical care and shelter.

In a statement released Thursday, the military reported that an additional 4,715 people have been injured and 341 remain missing. The epicentre of Friday’s quake was located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, resulting in the collapse of thousands of buildings, damaged roads, and destroyed bridges across multiple regions.

Local media have reported much higher casualty numbers, with expectations that the toll could rise sharply as more remote areas are accessed and telecommunications are restored.

The World Health Organization’s initial assessment revealed that four hospitals and one health centre were completely destroyed, while another 32 hospitals and 18 health centres sustained partial damage. “With infrastructure compromised and patient numbers surging, access to health care has become nearly impossible in many of the worst-hit areas,” the U.N. reported. “Thousands of people are in urgent need of trauma care, surgical interventions, and treatment for disease outbreaks.”

International support has begun arriving in Myanmar. A mobile hospital from India and a joint Russian-Belarusian hospital are now operating in Mandalay. More than 1,550 international rescuers from 17 countries are currently assisting local efforts.

The earthquake has exacerbated Myanmar’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. Prior to the disaster, more than 3 million people had been displaced and nearly 20 million were already in need of assistance due to civil unrest following the military’s 2021 coup that ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

In response to the disaster, the military declared a temporary ceasefire through April 22, intended to facilitate humanitarian relief. However, reports from Kachin state indicate that military attacks against local militias continued despite the ceasefire declaration. The Kachin Independence Army, a key resistance group, declared its own ceasefire but maintained the right to defend itself if attacked.

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Thailand, where the quake caused the collapse of a skyscraper under construction, search teams continued to dig through rubble on Thursday. Although possible signs of life were detected earlier in the day, no survivors were found by nightfall. The disaster claimed 22 lives and injured 35 others in Bangkok, primarily due to the building’s collapse.

Rescue efforts continue as the full scope of the disaster remains uncertain.