Heavy rain has intensified relief efforts in Myanmar and increased the risk of disease as the death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the country on March 28 rises to at least 3,471. Aid workers in the hard-hit city of Mandalay have said that rain and winds have affected tent camps for survivors. Further rain and hot temperatures are expected later in the day.

The extreme weather conditions could provoke disease outbreaks among quake survivors, according to aid agencies. More than 5,200 buildings, including schools, pagodas, hospitals, and bridges have been damaged. The earthquake has affected six Myanmar regions and states.

The disaster is further compounding an ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country, which already includes millions of displaced people due to a civil war. Sales General Min Aung Hlaing’s military government declared a temporary ceasefire, but the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights claims that aid is being restricted in areas that do not support the military’s rule. The military has also reportedly carried out attacks despite the ceasefire.

Myanmar’s neighbors, including China, India, and Southeast Asian countries, have dispatched relief supplies and rescuers, while the US has pledged at least $9m in aid. But the US response has been weakened by cuts to its foreign aid program. Myanmar’s emergency has also affected Thailand, with 24 deaths and more than 70 missing persons.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/6/rains-add-to-misery-in-quake-hit-myanmar-as-death-toll-rises-to-3471?traffic_source=rss