The death toll of the 7.7 deadly earthquake is expected to rise as it hits 3,000. Crews are still undergoing search and rescue but the hope is starting to fade as 441 people remain missing.
On Mar. 28, a deadly earthquake hit 10,000 buildings in cities near the epicenter, killing a total of 2,719 people. Friday’s earthquake was the second most powerful in the country’s history after a magnitude 8 in 1912. Julia Rees, UNICEF’s representative told BBC reporters, “The needs are massive, and they are rising by the hour.”
As teams struggle to find survivors, another problem has posed a threat to Myanmar: monsoon season. Many people have been sleeping outside because of the earthquake, as their homes have been destroyed or they fear more aftershocks. Relief efforts are trying to help, but they are arriving slowly, lagging in progress.
“Vulnerability to respiratory infections, skin diseases, vector-borne illnesses such as dengue fever, and vaccine-preventable diseases like measles is escalating,” OCHA said in the most recent report, which was a potential risk as communities were left on the streets and without shelter.
Myanmar seized power in 2021 from the democratic government of Aung San Suu Kyi, which sparked significant military resistance and a civil war. As efforts have been made to find and help survivors, Myanmar declared a ceasefire to protect the lives of civilians. Press Reporter Grant Peck told reporters, “The focus in Myanmar must be saving lives, not taking them.”
The military council had declared a 20-day ceasefire on Apr. 2, after a rebel alliance of three rebel groups announced one. Many of the humanitarian emergencies have been inaccessible due to, “ Longstanding limitations imposed by the military on humanitarian operations and access,” UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told BBC.
As of Apr. 7 rain fell on parts of the earthquake areas in Myanmar which could complicate the search and rescue efforts performed by crews. “[The rain] could complicate relief efforts and raise the risk of disease as the United Nations aid chief said more tents were needed to shelter those left homeless,” said Reuters News.
On Apr. 5, the death toll hit a near peak of 3,471, there are still 4,671 people injured and are awaiting assistance, and 214 remain missing. In neighboring cities, the death toll has risen to 24 after a skyscraper under construction collapsed in Bangkok.
On Apr. 4 the military had carried out at least 14 attacks since the ceasefire was enacted, they justified the attacks by saying that it was a response to “offensives.” After Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun, the military council spokesperson, told BBC, “We will respond if military bases are attacked without reason.”
Aftershocks continued through the week, and a 4.9 magnitude earthquake was reported over the weekend. Before the earthquake 20 million people were already in need, “[that people] need food. They need water. They need power back on. They’re telling me that they need shelter.” Tom Fletcher told BBC.
Officials said, “It’s a compounding crisis. It’s an earthquake, on top of conflict, on top of a huge existing need.” It creates a threat to civilians who are fighting for their survival, rescue efforts are persistent but not fast enough. Remaining hope remains in the balance as more bodies show up everyday.
