BANGKOK (AP) — State media in Myanmar reported on Monday that the death toll from the recent powerful earthquake has surpassed 2,000, revealing tragic accounts of individuals’ final moments: Two hundred Buddhist monks were tragically crushed by a collapsing monastery, fifty children perished as a preschool classroom crumbled, and seven hundred Muslims were struck while observing Ramadan prayers at mosques. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7, struck on Friday near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, causing extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure across a wide area in the country’s center.
The disaster has further complicated an already dire situation in Myanmar, known as one of the most challenging places for humanitarian organizations due to ongoing civil conflict. Relief efforts are hindered by power outages, fuel shortages, and limited communication, while the lack of heavy machinery has slowed down search-and-rescue operations under scorching temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
As rescue workers continue to search for victims and survivors, the official death toll stands at 2,065, with thousands more injured or missing. The United Nations and aid groups are calling for unobstructed access for humanitarian assistance to address the urgent medical and shelter needs in affected areas.
The extent of the devastation is still unclear, with reports of numerous collapsed or damaged buildings, including hospitals and schools. The World Health Organization has highlighted the critical need for medical supplies and mental health support in the aftermath of the earthquake. As efforts to assess and respond to the crisis continue, the full impact of the disaster on communities in Myanmar remains to be determined.
A significant portion of the city’s buildings were destroyed by the civil war, displacing millions of people. The conflict, which began in 2021 when the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, has led to widespread armed resistance. Although one group has declared a partial ceasefire, fighting continues between the government forces and other armed groups. Many areas in Myanmar are now inaccessible to aid organizations due to the ongoing violence.
The earthquake further exacerbated the situation, particularly in the area that was already devastated by flooding the previous year. More than 3 million people have been displaced by the conflict, making it challenging to provide assistance to those in need. With the approaching monsoon season, finding shelter for the affected population will be a daunting task.
International aid efforts are underway, with teams from various countries, including Russia, China, India, and Southeast Asian nations, providing assistance. The European Union, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and others have pledged millions of dollars in aid. Despite budget cuts at the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Embassy has dispatched a team of experts and allocated up to $2 million for relief efforts in Myanmar.
In Bangkok, where the earthquake caused significant damage, rescue operations are ongoing, with several casualties reported. U.S. military personnel have been sent to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Despite the challenges, there is a collective effort to find survivors and provide support to those affected by the disaster.
