BANGKOK — The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar almost a week ago has climbed to 3,085, according to the military government, as rescue teams recovered more bodies on Thursday. Humanitarian organizations are working to provide medical assistance and shelter to survivors.
In a brief announcement, the military stated that 4,715 individuals have been injured and 341 are still missing.
The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.7, occurred last Friday with its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The quake caused widespread destruction, collapsing thousands of buildings, buckling roads, and destroying bridges across several regions.
Local media reports suggest that casualty figures are significantly higher than official numbers. Communication disruptions and the inaccessibility of many areas raise concerns that the death toll could rise significantly as more information becomes available.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that its preliminary assessment indicated the complete destruction of four hospitals and one health center. An additional 32 hospitals and 18 health centers sustained partial damage.
“With damaged infrastructure and a surge in patient numbers, accessing healthcare has become virtually impossible in the most affected areas,” the U.N. stated. “Thousands require immediate trauma care, surgical procedures, and treatment for potential disease outbreaks.”
A mobile hospital from India and a joint Russian-Belarusian hospital are now operational in Mandalay.
Many people have been displaced due to the earthquake, while others are hesitant to return to their homes due to fears of aftershocks. In Naypyitaw, workers are constructing large tents in open areas to provide shelter amidst temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
In Mandalay, local residents offered slices of watermelon to Chinese volunteers who were taking a break from the heat.
According to a statement from the military, over 1,550 international rescuers are collaborating with local teams as of Thursday. Relief supplies and equipment have been sent by 17 countries.
Myanmar’s military seized control in 2021, ousting the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which triggered an ongoing civil war.
The earthquake has worsened an already critical humanitarian situation, with over 3 million people already displaced and almost 20 million in need of assistance prior to the quake, according to the United Nations.
Amid growing concerns that ongoing conflict could impede aid efforts, the military declared a temporary ceasefire, effective until April 22. This announcement followed similar unilateral ceasefires declared by armed resistance groups opposing military rule.
The military stated that it would still take “necessary” actions against groups that use the ceasefire for regrouping, training, or launching attacks.
On Thursday, local media in Kachin state, northern Myanmar, reported continued military attacks in several areas; however, these reports have not been independently verified.
Prior to the earthquake, the military was engaged in conflict with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) militia. The KIA also declared a ceasefire on Wednesday but reserved the right to self-defense. The cause of the reported renewed fighting remains unclear.
The earthquake was felt in Kachin, but there have been no reports of damage in that region.
In Bangkok, where the earthquake caused a skyscraper under construction to collapse, the search for survivors and bodies continues. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported a possible indication of life detected in the rubble. However, no one was found by the end of the day.
The collapse of the unfinished building resulted in 22 deaths and 35 injuries in the city.
—Associated Press writer Jintamas Saksornchai contributed to this report.
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