BANGKOK — Three weeks have passed since a powerful earthquake devastated Myanmar, and the recovery process remains slow, with essential services still not restored in the hardest-hit regions, according to humanitarian organizations. Emergency responders are not only dealing with the aftermath of the disaster but also struggling with continuous aftershocks and a shortage of resources.
A report released on Friday evening by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicated that nearly daily aftershocks in the central part of Myanmar are adding to the fear and unpredictability felt by residents. These tremors are hindering the relief efforts and stretching the already thin resources and services in the area.
“Communities hit hardest by the twin earthquakes on March 28 still lack necessities such as safe housing, potable water, functional sanitation, consistent power supply, healthcare, and basic services,” stated the report.
The earthquake, with its epicenter near Mandalay—Myanmar’s second-largest city—was recorded at a magnitude of 7.7. It caused massive destruction across several regions, including Naypyitaw, the nation’s capital. This catastrophe has aggravated the humanitarian crisis already present due to the country’s civil conflict, which has resulted in over 3 million internally displaced people and nearly 20 million individuals in urgent need of assistance, per U.N. figures.
On Saturday, the state-run Myanma Alinn newspaper reported that the death toll from the quake had reached 3,726, with 5,105 injuries and 129 individuals still unaccounted for. Aiding in relief efforts, 1,975 foreign rescue and medical personnel from 25 countries joined forces with local teams. Their coordinated efforts have resulted in the rescue of 653 individuals and the recovery of 753 bodies.
The earthquake resulted in extensive damage, with 65,096 homes and buildings, 2,514 schools, 4,317 monastic quarters, 6,027 pagodas and temples, 350 healthcare facilities, 170 bridges, 586 dams, and 203 sections of the national highway affected, as reported by Myanma Alinn.
According to recent social media posts by the Myanmar Fire Services Department, which operates as an official emergency management body, rescue teams are actively engaged in relief operations, removing debris from major buildings, and returning valuable items found in the wreckage to their rightful owners. They reported the recovery of two bodies in Mandalay from collapsed structures.
A representative from the Myanmar Rescue Federation (Mandalay) conveyed to media outlets on Friday that removing bodies and debris from large buildings remains a priority as they continue supporting survivors. The representative, preferring to remain anonymous for safety reasons, mentioned that the tally of recovered bodies has dwindled to one or two per day.
Meanwhile, another emergency worker from Mandalay detailed that the presence of rescue teams has reduced, with many international teams having left after deeming the initial rescue phase complete. Local workers are now primarily involved in debris removal and aid distribution.
The United Nations Development Program earlier evaluated the debris from the earthquake at approximately 2.5 million tons, or the equivalent of roughly 125,000 truckloads, necessitating substantial removal efforts. This estimation was derived from satellite-imagery analysis.
UN-Habitat, the U.N. agency focused on human settlements, announced on Friday its collaboration with the Myanmar Engineering Society to evaluate the structural damage within the quake-impacted territories.
In the capital, Naypyitaw, the majority of relief activities have halted, with many government offices still awaiting repair and restoration post-earthquake, according to a local source who remained unnamed for security concerns. Residents have nearly finished independently clearing debris from their neighborhoods.
Reflecting on the situation, an article from Myanma Alinn on Saturday noted that Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military leader, has instructed a rethinking of Naypyitaw’s urban design in light of the earthquake’s impact. The capital, established in 2006, stands out for its imposing government edifices and spacious but underused roadways.