Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The death toll from a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar continues to rise, with more than 3,000 people confirmed dead as search and rescue efforts intensify across the country.
The quake, which struck on March 28, was so powerful that tremors were felt across neighboring countries including Bangladesh, India, Laos, China, and Thailand. With a shallow epicenter at a depth of just 10 kilometers, the earthquake caused massive destruction, leveling buildings, destroying infrastructure, and leaving millions affected.
According to Antara, Asia-Pacific Director of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Alexander Matheou stated that this earthquake is one of the most devastating earthquakes Asia has experienced in the past 100 years.
The earthquake has already triggered 288 aftershocks in the past week, one of which reached a magnitude of 6.7. The combination of the quake’s strength and shallow depth made it particularly destructive.
According to AFP, the quake leveled buildings across the country, affecting an estimated 28 million people. As of Saturday, April 5, Myanmar authorities confirmed 3,354 deaths, 4,508 injuries, and at least 220 people still missing. Thousands of survivors remain without shelter as damaged structures have been deemed unsafe.
The United Nations humanitarian coordinator Tom Fletcher visited Mandalay, a major city near the epicenter, where he met with survivors and assessed the widespread devastation. UN has warned that over 3 million people may have been impacted by the disaster.
In the worst-hit areas like Sagaing, desperation has mounted. Hundreds of residents were seen scrambling for food aid as supply shortages worsened.
International response has been swift. According to the Japanese Embassy in Myanmar, 53 airlifts of humanitarian supplies have reached the country, while more than 1,900 rescue personnel from 15 countries have been deployed, including Southeast Asian nations, China, India, and Russia.
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The earthquake has compounded an already dire situation in Myanmar, which has been embroiled in a civil conflict since a military coup in 2021. The military junta announced a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday with anti-government groups to allow for faster delivery of humanitarian aid. Several rebel factions had earlier declared their own unilateral ceasefires to facilitate relief efforts.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath, officials warn that the true scale of the disaster may not be known for days or weeks to come.
(Raidi/Agung)
