Myanmar Earthquake: Over 3,000 Dead, Major Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

A massive earthquake hit Myanmar nearly a week ago, and the number of people who died has now reached 3,085, according to the military government. Many search and rescue teams are still looking for bodies. They also report that around 4,715 people are hurt, and 341 are missing.

The earthquake, which had a strong magnitude of 7.7, struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. It caused a lot of buildings to fall, roads to crack, and bridges to break in several areas.

Local news reports suggest that the real number of casualties could be much higher because of broken communication lines and hard-to-reach places. The World Health Organization stated that four hospitals and one health center have been completely destroyed, with many others suffering damage.

The U.N. said that many areas are seeing a huge increase in the number of patients. They are facing a serious healthcare crisis, with thousands needing urgent medical help and treatment for outbreaks of disease. Mobile hospitals from India and a Russian-Belarusian team are now working in Mandalay to help.

Many people are now homeless and afraid to go back to their houses because of the risk of aftershocks. In the capital, Naypyitaw, workers are setting up big tents in open fields to give those who lost their homes somewhere safe to stay.

The military took control of Myanmar in 2021, which led to a civil war that has already made life difficult for more than 3 million people. Even before the earthquake, nearly 20 million people were in need of help.

To help with the situation, the military announced a temporary ceasefire through April 22, hoping it will allow aid to reach those in need. However, they warned they would still act against any armed groups if they try to regroup during this time.

There are reports that fighting is still happening in some areas, but these have not been confirmed. Some of the worst-hit areas, like Kachin state, also felt the earthquake, though no damage has been reported there.

In Bangkok, a skyscraper under construction collapsed during the quake. Rescue teams are still working in the rubble, and although they heard possible signs of life, so far no survivors have been found. Twenty-two people were killed and 35 others were injured in the city due to the building falling down.