Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 2,700 as Destruction Unfolds

[geovalin]

Myanmar Fire Dpt

 

The death toll from Myanmar’s devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake has climbed past 2,700, with rescue efforts hampered by widespread destruction, ongoing conflict, and infrastructure collapse.

 

The military-led government declared a national week of mourning on Monday, three days after the powerful quake struck central Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand. Rescue teams continue to search through rubble, but hopes are fading for those still trapped, as the crucial 72-hour survival window has passed. Despite this, a 63-year-old woman was found alive in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, more than 90 hours after the disaster.

 

Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city and near the quake’s epicentre, has been hit particularly hard. Over 10,000 buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged, including monasteries where dozens of monks remain trapped. In one tragic incident, 50 children and two teachers were killed when their preschool collapsed.

 

The disaster has deepened Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis, with power outages, crumbled roads, and damaged telecom networks delaying aid. While rescue teams from China, Russia, India, and Thailand arrived quickly, the U.S. response has faced delays.

 

In Thailand, the earthquake caused a high-rise under construction to collapse in Bangkok, killing at least 20 people. Authorities are now investigating potential safety violations at the site.

 

With thousands still homeless and aftershocks a continued risk, the full scale of Myanmar’s worst earthquake in decades is yet to be realised. Aid agencies warn that clean water, shelter, and medical care are urgently needed, while international rescue efforts remain critical in the days ahead.

 

-2025-04-02