In Pics | Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to over 3,000 as search for survivors continues

Concerns Over Higher Casualty Numbers | Local media reports indicate that the actual number of casualties may be significantly higher than the official figures. Widespread telecommunications outages and the difficulty of reaching certain areas have hindered the full assessment of the disaster’s impact, the AP reported. Authorities fear that as more information emerges, the death toll may continue to rise sharply. (Image: Reuters)

Weather Warnings for Hardest-Hit Regions | Citing meteorological officials, the Reuters reported warnings of unseasonal rain have been issued from April 7 to April 11, which could further hamper rescue and relief operations in the worst-affected areas, including Mandalay, Sagaing, and the capital Naypyidaw. Rescue workers have raised concerns that survivors trapped under rubble may face an even greater threat from incoming rain. An aid worker in Myanmar stated, “Rain is incoming and there are still so many buried. In Mandalay especially, if it starts to rain, people who are buried will drown even if they’ve survived until this point.” (Image: Reuters)

Pre-existing Crisis and Worsening Humanitarian Situation | Myanmar was already experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis before the earthquake. The country has been in turmoil since the military seized power in 2021, overthrowing the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and triggering a civil war. Even before the disaster, over 3 million people had been displaced from their homes, and nearly 20 million were in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, according to United Nations estimates. (Image: Reuters)

Temporary Ceasefire Amid Humanitarian Concerns | To facilitate relief efforts, the military declared a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday, set to last until April 22. However, concerns remain over its effectiveness, as the military warned it would still take “necessary” measures against armed resistance groups if they used the ceasefire to regroup, train, or launch attacks. This announcement followed similar temporary ceasefires declared unilaterally by opposition groups fighting against military rule. (Image: Reuters)

Impact Beyond Myanmar: Building Collapse in Bangkok | The earthquake’s tremors were also felt in Bangkok, Thailand, where an under-construction skyscraper collapsed, causing further casualties. As of Thursday, 22 people have been confirmed dead and 35 others injured, most of them affected by the collapse of the unfinished building, the AP reported. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that rescue teams detected a possible sound of life under the rubble, and operations continue in hopes of finding survivors. (Image: Reuters)

Thailand’s Search for Survivors After Building Collapse | Rescue efforts continue in Bangkok as heavy machinery has been deployed for search efforts. Rescuers are using mechanical diggers and bulldozers to remove 100 tons of concrete in hopes of finding any survivors. So far, 15 people have been confirmed dead, and 72 remain missing. (Image: AP)

Global Humanitarian Response | Myanmar’s embassy in Japan confirmed that 53 airlifts of aid have been sent to the disaster-stricken country. More than 1,900 rescue workers from 15 countries, including Southeast Asian nations, China, India, and Russia, have arrived to assist in relief efforts. (Image: Reuters)

Indian Rescue Teams Work Tirelessly Amidst Devastation | Indian personnel are engaged in relentless relief and rescue operations in earthquake-stricken Mandalay, navigating through debris and overpowering stench to recover bodies. Under ‘Operation Brahma,’ India dispatched medicines, rations, and tents. A field hospital was established, treating over 200 patients in the first two days, providing critical care to the injured and displaced. (Image: PTI)