BANGKOK — The devastation from the massive earthquake that recently struck Myanmar continues to unfold as the death toll surged to 3,145, the military-controlled government revealed on Thursday. Search and rescue teams are tirelessly working in the aftermath to recover more bodies, while humanitarian groups are scrambling to deliver medical care and shelter to those affected.
During a meeting held in the capital, Naypyitaw, the Information Minister announced that 4,589 individuals were injured and 221 remain missing, as reported by state-run broadcaster MRTV. The catastrophic 7.7 magnitude quake, which struck on March 28 near Myanmar’s bustling city of Mandalay, resulted in the collapse of countless structures, crippling roadways, and obliterating bridges across various regions.
Reports from local media indicate a higher death toll than the official statistics suggest, and due to disrupted telecommunications and remote access, these numbers are expected to rise as more information becomes available. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs released a report estimating that over 17 million people across 57 of Myanmar’s 330 townships have been impacted, with more than 9 million severely affected.
“The upcoming days are crucial for ascertaining the disaster’s full impact and organizing an adequate response for the millions affected,” the report highlighted. In response, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres announced that U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher and special envoy Julie Bishop are scheduled to arrive in Myanmar on Friday.
Guterres urged the international community to increase funding for relief efforts promptly and to ensure unrestricted access for aid workers. He emphasized that the earthquake has amplified the existing hardships, especially with the approaching monsoon season.
The World Health Organization’s preliminary assessment indicates substantial damage to healthcare infrastructure, with four hospitals and one health center completely destroyed, and 32 hospitals and 18 health centers partially impacted. “Many of those in the worst-hit regions have limited access to essential health services, while demands for trauma care, surgical procedures, and outbreak treatment are climbing,” a U.N. statement noted.
Efforts are underway to manage the crisis, with a mobile hospital from India and a combined Russian-Belarusian medical facility now active in Mandalay. As the disaster has left many homeless or fearful of residing in structurally weakened homes, workers in Naypyitaw are hurriedly constructing large tents in open fields under sweltering temperatures for temporary shelter.
In Mandalay, the local community has been extending small acts of kindness, such as offering Chinese volunteer workers refreshments like watermelon slices, as they take breaks from the intense heat. According to a military statement, over 1,550 international responders are collaborating with local forces, with 17 nations contributing supplies and equipment.
The crisis struck amidst ongoing conflict, as Myanmar’s military had seized control from Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in 2021, sparking civil unrest. Before the tremor, the United Nations reported that over 3 million citizens were displaced and nearly 20 million were already in need of assistance.
Fearing that conflict could obstruct relief efforts, Myanmar’s military proclaimed a temporary ceasefire until April 22. This decision followed similar unilateral ceasefire declarations by resistance groups opposing military rule. However, the military warned of “necessary” measures against groups exploiting the ceasefire to regroup or launch assaults.
Despite the ceasefire, unverified reports from Kachin state in northern Myanmar pointed to ongoing military actions in some areas. Prior to the earthquake, conflicts persisted between the military and the Kachin Independence Army militia. While the KIA announced a temporary ceasefire, it reserved the right to defend itself, though reports of renewed clashes surfaced shortly thereafter.
Kachin was also affected by the earthquake, though no significant damage was reported. Meanwhile, in Bangkok, the tremors resulted in the collapse of an under-construction skyscraper, initiating a frantic search for survivors. Despite initial hope from potential signs of life within the debris, the efforts of rescue workers yielded no discoveries by day’s end, with the tragedy accounting for 22 fatalities and 35 injuries in the city.