The devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar last week has claimed over 3,000 lives, according to the military junta, as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are working tirelessly to provide healthcare and shelter to the survivors. The earthquake, measuring 7.7 in magnitude, is among the largest to hit the war-torn Southeast Asian nation in a century. The disaster has resulted in the collapse of thousands of buildings, damaged roads, and destroyed bridges across multiple regions.
The military junta reported that at least 3,085 people have lost their lives, while 4,715 have been injured and 341 are missing. However, local media reports have suggested a higher number of casualties compared to the government figures. With communication networks severely affected and many areas difficult to reach, the official death toll is expected to rise as more information becomes available.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that an initial assessment revealed that four hospitals and one health center were completely destroyed, and another 32 hospitals and 18 health centers were partially damaged. This has led to significant challenges in accessing healthcare services in the worst-hit areas, with thousands in urgent need of trauma care, surgical interventions, and treatment for disease outbreaks. The risk of cholera is particularly high, according to the UN agency.
As of Thursday, at least 1,550 international rescuers were working alongside local citizens, with rescue supplies and equipment provided by 17 countries. The earthquake has further compounded the existing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, with over 3 million people displaced from their homes and nearly 20 million in need of assistance before the disaster, according to the UN.
In a significant development, Myanmar’s military seized power in 2021 from the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, leading to a brutal civil war. To address concerns that ongoing fighting could hinder aid efforts, the military declared a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday until 22 April. Armed resistance groups also announced unilateral temporary ceasefires, but the junta warned that it would still take necessary measures against the groups if they use the ceasefire to regroup, train, or launch attacks.
In addition, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing is set to leave Myanmar on Thursday to attend a regional summit of mostly South Asian nations in Bangkok. This marks a rare foreign trip for Min Aung Hlaing, who has been ostracized in the region and is subject to Western sanctions, as well as an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Myanmar is not a member of the ICC, and the junta has dismissed the warrant.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2025/04/03/myanmar-earthquake-death-toll-passes-3000-with-hundreds-still-missing
