State media reported that the number of fatalities resulting from last week's major earthquake in Myanmar has increased to 3,455. Meanwhile, UN organizations along with international aid providers have been increasing their emergency assistance efforts.
A tremor measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck an extensive part of the nation, resulting in considerable destruction across six regions and states, encompassing the capital city, Naypyitaw.
The quake resulted in numerous regions being cut off from power, phone, and mobile services, alongside damaging roads and bridges, which made it difficult to determine the full scale of destruction.
This exacerbated an already severe humanitarian crisis caused by the nation's civil conflict, which has led to internal displacement of over three million individuals and pushed almost 20 million into desperate need, as reported by the United Nations.
The head of the military regime, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, stated that the recent earthquake ranks as the second strongest in the nation's documented history following an 8-magnitude tremor near Mandalay in May 1912.
General Min Aung Hlaing informed the Cabinet ministers on Saturday that the earthquake's casualty count had risen to 3,455 deceased, 4,840 wounded, and 214 people unaccounted for, as reported by the official state broadcaster MRTV.
He mentioned that the quake affected 5,223 structures, including 1,824 educational institutions, 2,752 monk residences within monasteries, 4,817 places of worship such as pagodas and temples, along with 167 healthcare facilities, 169 bridges, 198 dams, and impacted 184 segments of the nation's principal roadway.
In 2021, Myanmar's military took control by overthrowing the democratically elected administration led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which triggered an armed rebellion. Analysts suggest this insurgency now holds sway over more areas than the military does.
The members of the UN Security Council acknowledged "the necessity to enhance search, aid, and rebuilding initiatives and to amplify prompt and swift humanitarian support in line with appeals to assist the citizens of Myanmar," stated Jerome Bonnafont, the council’s president, in a press release on Friday.
The statement appeared to address the conflict in Myanmar and worries about potential obstructions from its military administration, which might hinder relief efforts in regions controlled by opposition groups. The council’s members emphasized "the significance of a secure and impartial setting to facilitate the prompt and efficient provision of essential lifesaving aid to everyone requiring assistance, free from interference or bias."
Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the military administration, stated on Saturday that Prime Ministers and representatives from neighboring nations such as India and Thailand have committed to offering support for both immediate aid and recovery operations in regions affected by the earthquake.
“He stated, ‘Everybody assisted Myanmar which had been struck by the earthquake. Everybody expressed their sympathy. Everybody showed understanding. Everybody was ready to lend a hand. It’s clear that everybody collaborated effectively.’”
He mentioned that aid was being provided by 18 nations to the impacted regions, with over 60 planes having been deployed to ferry both rescue teams and emergency provisions.
The UK announced an additional allocation of £10 million for the humanitarian effort, as stated by its embassy in Yangon on Saturday, bringing their overall contribution up to £25 million.
Even though accounts of diplomatic actions emphasize aid for earthquake victims, there is recognition that the situation in Myanmar will not be resolved until the conflict ceases. Neighboring countries have taken the lead in attempting to broker a peaceful solution; however, both the military forces and their adversaries have yet to demonstrate genuine willingness to engage in negotiations.
Nevertheless, both the military and various crucial armed resistance factions announced truces temporarily on Wednesday following the earthquake to ease the distribution of humanitarian assistance.
On Friday, the United Nations Human Rights Office alleged that the military was still carrying out assaults, stating that over 60 had occurred following the earthquake, with 16 taking place since the truce began.
On Saturday, the opposition's shadow National Unity Government, which spearheads the opposition against military control, charged that the armed forces had conducted 63 airstrikes and artillery assaults following the earthquake. This resulted in the death of 68 people, among whom were one child and 15 women.
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