According to the military-led government, there have been 3,085 deaths thus far, although local media has reported considerably higher numbers.
These updated figures come at a time when junta leader Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to attend a regional summit in Thailand, which signifies a diplomatic victory for the isolated military regime.
What extent has the earthquake in Myanmar impacted the population?
The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck close to Myanmar’s second-biggest city, Mandalay, last Friday.
This quake resulted in the collapse of buildings and the destruction of essential infrastructure throughout the land. However, the ongoing civil war, ignited by the military’s ousting of the democratically elected civilian government in 2021, has hindered the response efforts.
The earthquake has displaced over 3 million individuals. According to the UN, around 20 million were already in need of humanitarian aid prior to the disaster.
The military and resistance groups have called for a temporary truce until April 22, allowing humanitarian aid to reach those in need.
What measures has Myanmar taken to respond to the earthquake?
The death toll is expected to rise rapidly as information emerges from hard-to-reach areas with disrupted telecommunication lines.
A week after the quake, many individuals in Myanmar continue to face dire circumstances, with many forced to sleep outside due to completely or partially destroyed homes.
The World Health Organization reported that one in three houses in the town of Sagaing, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the epicenter, were destroyed.
Civilians organized aid convoys to support Sagaing.
“People passing by on the road have generously donated water and food to us. We rely solely on their kindness,” 63-year-old nun Aye Thikar, who has been involved in aiding distribution, shared with news agency AFP.
Junta chief to participate in regional summit
Thailand, where 22 deaths occurred as a result of the earthquake’s impact on a 30-story skyscraper in Bangkok, is hosting a regional summit on Thursday.
The BIMSTEC summit brings together leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The invitation extended to Myanmar’s military chief deviates from the policy of not inviting junta members to major diplomatic events.
Thailand has suggested that members issue a joint statement on the disaster this Friday.
Edited by: Wesley Dockery
