The death toll from the devastating earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28 has surged to 3,354. The United Nations is now calling on the international community to provide aid to the affected areas.
Local media outlet MRTV reported that the number of fatalities from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake has continued to rise, with at least 3,354 people confirmed dead. Approximately 4,850 people were injured, and 220 remain missing.
Tom Fletcher, the UN’s Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, visited Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city and one of the hardest-hit areas. He met with local communities near the earthquake’s epicenter and later posted a message on social media, urging global support for Myanmar’s relief efforts.
The damage is mounting, with many lives lost, homes destroyed, and livelihoods shattered. However, the resilience of the people is remarkable, Fletcher said. He emphasized that the world needs to come together to support the people of Myanmar.
Neighboring countries, including China, India, and other ASEAN nations, have sent relief supplies and personnel to assist in the rescue efforts. The United States, one of the world’s largest humanitarian donors, has pledged $9 million in aid to the affected communities in Myanmar.
However, US officials acknowledge that budget cuts for foreign aid programs are affecting their operations. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) accused Myanmar’s military government of restricting aid to communities that do not support them.
OCHA also reported that the military has continued to attack opposition groups, including aerial assaults, with 53 incidents reported since the earthquake and 16 occurring after the military declared a ceasefire on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar’s military government, is attending the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand, where he has announced plans to hold free and fair elections in December.
Source: Reuters