The death toll from the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar last week has now surpassed 3,000, as rescue operations are underway to save those still trapped beneath the rubble.
The death toll has surged to 3,085, with 341 missing and over 4,700 injured, according to Myanmar’s military-led government.
The powerful earthquake, which hit on Friday, had its epicenter near the northern city of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. While the immediate impact was most severe in Mandalay, widespread destruction has been reported across the country, with thousands of buildings reduced to rubble, roads destroyed, and bridges collapsed.
The impact of this disaster has also been felt beyond Myanmar’s borders, particularly in neighboring Thailand, where a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok collapsed during the earthquake. At least 22 people have been confirmed dead, and 35 others are injured. Rescue teams continue to search for 72 people who remain trapped under the debris of the skyscraper, with hopes that some survivors may still be found beneath the rubble despite the challenging conditions.
Widespread damage and rising health concerns
The situation in Myanmar remains dire, with survivors forced to camp in the open due to fear of aftershocks and the widespread destruction of homes. As many as one in three houses in the city of Sagaing, located near the earthquake’s epicenter, have collapsed. Locals in the region have expressed frustration over the slow pace of aid, with many complaining about a lack of access to basic necessities such as drinking water and fuel.
In addition to the immediate risks posed by the earthquake itself, global aid organizations are warning that the rising temperatures and the possibility of unseasonal rain in the coming days could worsen the already precarious health situation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about the potential for disease outbreaks, particularly cholera, which remains a concern in areas like Mandalay and Naypyitaw. The ongoing displacement of people and damage to healthcare facilities are further complicating efforts to address the public health risks.
Elena Vuolo, deputy head of the WHO’s Myanmar office, highlighted the heightened risk of waterborne diseases: “Cholera remains a particular concern for all of us,” she said, pointing to an outbreak last year in Mandalay. She also warned that conditions could lead to the spread of skin diseases, malaria, and dengue, especially in the temporary shelters where people are forced to live in extreme heat. People were camping outdoors in temperatures of 38°C (100°F) because they were too scared to go home, and many hospitals were also setting up temporary facilities there, Vuolo told Reuters.
Titon Mitra, the Myanmar representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), echoed these concerns, noting that the weather extremes could exacerbate the already difficult situation. “If that hits, we’ve got people, lots of people now, in temporary shelters, makeshift camps out on the streets, and that’s going to be a real problem,” Mitra said during a visit to Sagaing.
Ongoing rescue operations and international support
As rescue operations continue, officials are focusing on recovery efforts in areas that remain inaccessible due to damaged roads and bridges. Aid convoys, many organized by civilian volunteers, are working to distribute essential supplies to the hardest-hit regions, including Sagaing and Mandalay. International aid, including nearly 1,000 tonnes of supplies and relief materials, has been delivered, and the search for survivors continues.
Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Rescue teams are working around the clock to find survivors in the wreckage of collapsed buildings, both in Myanmar and Thailand. In Bangkok, authorities have warned that rains could hinder search efforts, but officials remain hopeful for “a miracle” in locating any survivors still trapped beneath the debris.
As Myanmar and its neighbors continue to face the aftermath of this catastrophic earthquake, the international community remains on alert, offering support and resources to aid in the relief efforts. The coming days will be critical as the full extent of the disaster becomes clearer and the global response intensifies.
China leads earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar
In the aftermath of Myanmar’s catastrophic earthquake, international rescuers have rushed to the scene, with Chinese relief workers being the most prominent. Their blue and orange uniforms have become a symbol of hope and resilience as social media posts capture their tireless efforts to pull survivors—and the deceased—from the wreckage of hotels, schools, and monasteries.
Within hours of the quake, China mobilized first-response teams, including medical professionals, earthquake experts, field hospital staff, and rescue dogs, to provide immediate assistance. These teams have been especially crucial in the hardest-hit areas, such as Mandalay and Sagaing, where many residents reported no aid from Myanmar’s military government.
In a major display of solidarity, China pledged 100 million yuan ($13.76 million) in relief supplies, with the first shipments of tents, blankets, and first aid kits arriving in Yangon. Meanwhile, the United States, once a leading force in global humanitarian assistance, has been on the sideline due to Trump administration’s decision to slash foreign aid. Offering just $2 million in aid and a small assessment team, U.S. efforts have been hindered by challenges in mobilizing resources amid the imminent closure of USAID and cancelled logistics contracts as part of the funding cuts, led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).
The stark contrast between China’s rapid deployment and the U.S.’s slower response highlights the shifting dynamics of global humanitarian aid and the difficulties aid organizations face in politically sensitive regions like Myanmar.
Myanmar military declares temporary truce after Earthquake
Myanmar’s military, which seized power in a coup four years ago, declared a 21-day ceasefire to support earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts following an attack on a Chinese Red Cross convoy delivering aid. The military’s assault on the convoy, which was condemned by rights groups, underscored the risks aid organizations face amid the ongoing civil war.
The ceasefire, set from April 2 to April 22, was announced by the junta to facilitate humanitarian aid and recovery. This move came a day after Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing had stated military operations would continue as “necessary protective measures.” Despite the ceasefire, the country remains deeply affected by both the earthquake and the long-standing conflict.
Myanmar junta chief heads to Bangkok for regional summit
As Myanmar grapples with this ongoing disaster, the country’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is set to travel to Bangkok for a regional summit on Thursday. The summit, which brings together the leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries, will focus on regional responses to the earthquake.
This trip marks a rare foreign visit for Min Aung Hlaing, whose government has been internationally isolated following the military coup in 2021 that ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
While Myanmar’s military junta has received some international aid and rescue teams, including supplies from 17 countries, ongoing civil war and heavily damaged infrastructure have hindered relief efforts. However, both the junta and opposition forces have agreed to a temporary ceasefire to allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need.
Min Aung Hlaing’s attendance at the BIMSTEC summit is viewed as a diplomatic breakthrough, breaking with the region’s policy of excluding junta leaders from major events. It is expected that the summit will issue a joint statement on the disaster’s impact and the international response. BIMSTEC comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.