The death toll from the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar has surpassed 3,000, with rescue operations ongoing as authorities race against time to find survivors.
According to a statement released by a spokesperson for the ruling military council on Thursday, at least 3,085 people have died, 341 remain missing, and 4,715 have been reported injured. The earthquake, which struck six days ago, has left a trail of destruction across the affected region, with rescue teams working tirelessly to locate those still trapped under debris.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the powerful quake hit 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing City, a key region in central Myanmar, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The shallow depth of the quake intensified its impact, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and historic sites in the area.
Survivors and witnesses described scenes of chaos as buildings collapsed and roads cracked under the force of the tremor. Many residents were caught off guard, with some unable to escape in time as their homes crumbled around them. Emergency response teams, including military personnel and local volunteers, have been deployed to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.
The quake has also severely disrupted essential services, with power outages reported in several regions and communication networks experiencing major disruptions. Hospitals and emergency centers are struggling to cope with the high number of casualties, while humanitarian organizations are working to provide medical aid, food, and temporary shelter to displaced residents.
International aid organizations have expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of the disaster, particularly in remote areas where access remains difficult due to damaged infrastructure. Neighboring countries and global relief agencies have begun mobilizing assistance, offering medical supplies, financial aid, and technical support for rescue operations.
Myanmar, which sits along a major seismic fault line, is prone to earthquakes, but the scale of this disaster has made it one of the deadliest in the country’s history. The military-led government has called for increased support from international partners and urged local communities to remain vigilant as aftershocks continue to be recorded.
As rescue teams work to clear debris and locate survivors, authorities warn that the death toll could rise further. Efforts are now focused on reaching isolated villages, many of which have been cut off due to landslides and damaged roads.
With thousands injured and countless families displaced, Myanmar faces a long road to recovery. The coming days will be crucial as the country grapples with the immediate aftermath of the disaster and begins the daunting task of rebuilding shattered communities.
