Myanmar earthquake death toll tops 3,400

The death toll from the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar last week has reached 3,455. 

The earthquake, which hit six regions and states, including the capital Naypyitaw, has caused widespread damage, leaving large parts of the country without power, communication, and infrastructure. The scale of the destruction has made it difficult to fully assess the extent of the crisis, Caliber.Az reports, citing Asian media.

The disaster has further exacerbated the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, with over 3 million people displaced by the ongoing civil war and nearly 20 million in need of assistance, according to the United Nations.

Myanmar's second strongest earthquake in history

Myanmar's military government, led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, reported that the earthquake was the second most powerful in the country’s recorded history, following a magnitude 8 quake in 1912. The quake caused significant structural damage, with 5,223 buildings, 1,824 schools, 2,752 Buddhist monasterial living quarters, 4,817 pagodas and temples, 167 hospitals, and 169 bridges severely damaged. Additionally, 198 sections of the main highway were affected.

State media reported that 4,840 people have been injured, and 214 remain missing as rescue efforts continue.

Humanitarian crisis deepens

Myanmar has been embroiled in civil war since the military coup in 2021 that ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The conflict has displaced millions and left many regions in dire need of assistance. In the wake of the earthquake, the U.N. Security Council has emphasized the need for strengthened international humanitarian efforts to aid the affected populations.

Jerome Bonnafont, the president of the U.N. Security Council, called for "safe and conducive environments" to ensure the timely and effective delivery of aid. However, concerns remain that Myanmar's military government could block or delay assistance to areas controlled by resistance forces.

Diplomatic activity and international aid surge

Despite its international isolation, Myanmar has seen a rare surge of diplomatic activity in response to the earthquake. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has welcomed relief assistance from 18 countries, with over 60 aircraft arriving to deliver aid. The U.K. has pledged an additional 10 million pounds in aid, bringing its total contribution to 25 million pounds.

Notably, Min Aung Hlaing attended a regional summit in Bangkok, where officials from countries such as India and Thailand expressed solidarity and pledged support for relief efforts. This marks his first official visit outside Myanmar since the 2021 coup.

A temporary ceasefire and ongoing military attacks

In a rare development, Myanmar’s military and several armed resistance groups declared a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. However, reports from the U.N. Human Rights Office suggest that military attacks have continued, with over 60 assaults taking place after the earthquake, including airstrikes and artillery fire. The opposition National Unity Government, which leads the resistance to military rule, claimed that these attacks have resulted in the deaths of 68 civilians, including women and children.

The international community remains focused on providing immediate relief, but the long-term peace prospects for Myanmar continue to seem uncertain as the conflict persists.

By Khagan Isayev