Myanmar Quake: Deaths Surpass 3,000, Rescue Efforts Face Threat of Rain

The recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has claimed over 3,000 lives, with many more still unaccounted for. To make matters worse, unseasonal rain is complicating rescue efforts in a nation already facing civil unrest. This earthquake, one of the most powerful the country has seen in a century, hit last Friday and has left places in Mandalay, Sagaing, and the capital Naypyidaw in ruins, leaving survivors struggling without shelter, food, or access to clean water.

Myanmar’s embassy in Japan reported on Wednesday that the situation is still bad, with at least 3,003 confirmed deaths, 4,515 injuries, and 351 individuals still missing. Rescue teams from 15 countries, including neighboring Southeast Asian nations, China, India, and Russia, have joined local efforts, and so far, 53 aid flights have been sent. However, forecasts predict rain from Sunday through April 11, which could affect search efforts, particularly in Mandalay, where trapped survivors are at risk of drowning if floodwaters rise. “People buried under rubble could drown even if they’ve survived this long,” an aid worker told Reuters.

The disaster is taking place during Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict, which started after the military took over in a coup back in 2021. The ruling junta, under General Min Aung Hlaing, who is currently facing international sanctions and an ICC investigation, has announced a 20 day ceasefire to help with relief work, while also warning that they will respond if rebel groups launch any attacks. A major alliance of rebel forces had previously declared their own ceasefire to assist in recovery efforts.

In the meantime, Thailand is dealing with the aftermath of a skyscraper collapse in Bangkok due to the quake, which has claimed the lives of 15 individuals, while 72 others remain unaccounted for. Rescuers are tirelessly digging through 100 tons of rubble in hopes of finding any survivors.