Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Rises to Over 2,700; Rescue Ops Continue

The death toll from last week's powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to over 2,700, with more than 4,500 people injured and many still unaccounted for, the country's ruling junta announced on Tuesday, as reported by *Reuters*.

Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, stated in a televised address that the death toll had reached 2,719 and was expected to surpass 3,000.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

He confirmed that 4,521 people had been injured, while 441 remained missing. As rescue teams continue to search through the debris of collapsed structures, concerns are growing that the number of casualties will continue to rise in the coming days.

The earthquake, which struck around midday on Friday, was the strongest to hit the Southeast Asian nation in over a century, causing both ancient pagodas and modern buildings to collapse. In response, Myanmar's military government has declared a state of emergency, with rescue operations underway to locate survivors.

Rescue Teams Warn of Urgent Aid Shortages

Rescue teams and humanitarian organisations in the worst-affected regions of Myanmar have highlighted an urgent need for shelter, food, and water for survivors. However, they have also warned that the ongoing civil war may obstruct efforts to deliver aid to those in need.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 50 children and two teachers lost their lives when a preschool collapsed in Mandalay. Aid groups have raised concerns over severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, with thousands of displaced residents forced to sleep outdoors.

"In the hardest-hit areas, communities are struggling to meet their basic needs, such as access to clean water and sanitation, while emergency teams work tirelessly to locate survivors and provide life-saving aid," the UN agency stated in a report.

Survivors Forced to Sleep Outdoors

The International Rescue Committee has reported an urgent need for shelter, food, water, and medical assistance in areas such as Mandalay, near the epicentre of the devastating earthquake.

"After experiencing the terror of the earthquake, people are now afraid of aftershocks and are sleeping outside on roads or in open fields," an IRC worker in Mandalay said, according to the report.

Amnesty International has urged Myanmar's military government to permit unrestricted humanitarian access to affected areas, particularly those outside its control.

Rescue Operations Underway in Thailand

At least 20 fatalities have been confirmed in Bangkok, Thailand, after an under-construction high-rise building collapsed. Officials have cautioned that the death toll could rise as more bodies are recovered.

Meanwhile, search teams continue to work at the site of the collapsed skyscraper. Rescuers remain hopeful of finding survivors but acknowledge that the chances are diminishing, given that four days have passed since the earthquake.

"There are approximately 70 bodies trapped underneath... and we hope by some miracle one or two are still alive," said Bin Bunluerit, a volunteer rescue leader. Bangkok's deputy governor, Tavida Kamolvej, confirmed that scanners had detected six human-shaped figures but found no signs of movement or life.

(With agency inputs)