NAYPYIDAW – The death toll from Myanmar’s devastating earthquake has exceeded 3,000, with hundreds still missing. Rescue and relief efforts face mounting challenges as unseasonal rainfall is expected to hinder operations in the hardest-hit areas.
Myanmar’s embassy in Japan reported via Facebook that as of Wednesday night, the number of fatalities from last Friday’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay had risen to 3,003. Additionally, 4,515 people have been injured, and 351 remain missing. The situation is expected to become even more difficult, as meteorologists warn that off-season rains will hit Myanmar from Sunday through April 11, affecting Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyidaw—regions already severely impacted by the disaster.
A rescue worker stated that many victims are still trapped under the rubble. If heavy rains occur, those who are buried but still alive could face the risk of drowning.
Meanwhile, Myanmar’s embassy in Japan also reported that 53 relief flights have arrived in the country, and more than 1,900 rescue personnel from 15 countries have been deployed to assist in the disaster response.
