State media reported on Saturday that the death toll from the powerful earthquake in Myanmar has exceeded 3,300. The United Nations’ humanitarian chief has made a fresh appeal to the world to support the disaster-stricken nation.
The earthquake on March 28 destroyed buildings and infrastructure across the country. According to new figures released by state media, 3,354 people have died, 4,508 have been injured, and 220 are missing.
More than a week after the disaster, many people across the country remain without shelter—either because their homes were destroyed or due to fear of further collapse, forcing them to sleep outside.
According to a UN estimate, the 7.7 magnitude earthquake may have affected more than 3 million people. It has further complicated the challenges already posed by the ongoing civil conflict that has lasted for four years.
The UN’s top humanitarian official visited victims in the central city of Mandalay on Saturday. Mandalay, located near the epicenter, has suffered extensive damage.
“The devastation is staggering,” Tom Fletcher wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “The world must stand with the people of Myanmar.”
The new death toll was announced after the country’s military junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, returned from a rare overseas trip to Bangkok for a regional summit. In Bangkok, he met with leaders including the Prime Ministers of Thailand and India.
His presence at the summit sparked controversy. Protesters at the venue displayed banners calling him a “murderer,” and anti-junta groups condemned his participation.
Since the military coup in 2021, when Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government was overthrown, his armed forces have ruled Myanmar. The coup sparked a multi-faceted conflict that remains unresolved.
Reports say the junta has launched dozens of attacks since the earthquake. The UN stated on Friday that there have been at least 16 attacks since a temporary ceasefire was declared on Wednesday.
Years of conflict have devastated Myanmar’s economy and infrastructure, significantly hindering international relief efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake.
China, Russia, and India were among the first countries to send rescue teams to help locate survivors.
The United States, traditionally a leader in international disaster relief, had its humanitarian agency dismantled under President Donald Trump.
However, Washington announced on Friday that it would provide an additional $7 million in aid to Myanmar, on top of a previously committed $2 million.
