Yangon, Apr 05 (V7N) – The devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck northwestern Myanmar on March 28 has claimed the lives of at least 3,145 people, with 4,589 injured and over 200 still missing, according to the latest update from Myanmar’s Information Minister Maung Maung Oon, cited by the Associated Press (AP).

The quake, which struck at 12:20 PM local time, had its epicenter 16 kilometers from Sagaing city, about 100 kilometers north of the capital Naypyidaw. The tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar’s borders, shaking parts of Thailand, Bangladesh, India, southwest China, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble in Mandalay and surrounding areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that one in every three houses in Sagaing city—just 15 kilometers from the epicenter—was completely destroyed.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) emphasized that the need for shelter, food, water, and medical aid is critical in the hardest-hit regions. However, ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar has severely hampered the ability of relief teams to access many affected areas.

Even before the earthquake, an estimated 20 million people in Myanmar were already dependent on humanitarian aid. The recent disaster has displaced an additional 3 million, pushing the country’s humanitarian crisis to alarming new levels.

In a rare show of consensus, both the military junta and various resistance groups have agreed to a temporary ceasefire until April 22 to allow for the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance. This truce is intended to facilitate search-and-rescue operations, medical care, and the distribution of critical supplies to quake survivors.

Multiple international aid organizations have joined the effort, despite logistical and security challenges. Relief teams on the ground continue to report desperate conditions in remote villages, with limited access to clean water, food, and medical supplies.

Humanitarian agencies are urging the international community to ramp up aid and support for Myanmar, warning that the death toll may rise as many remain trapped under debris and thousands more lack access to life-saving assistance.

As Myanmar grapples with this dual crisis of natural disaster and armed conflict, calls are growing for a coordinated international response to prevent further suffering.

END/MSS/AJ