After a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction, more than 2,700 people have now died. As rescue operations continue, humanitarian groups and aid organisations are desperately calling for assistance, citing a severe shortage of food, water, and shelter. However, the ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar is obstructing the delivery of vital aid to the hardest-hit areas.

The devastating earthquake wreaked havoc on both ancient landmarks and modern infrastructure, including the collapse of towering buildings and historical pagodas. The death toll has reached 2,719, with officials estimating that the final number could exceed 3,000. Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, confirmed the rising death toll in a televised address, which also reported 4,521 injuries and 441 missing individuals.

Among the victims was a preschool in the Mandalay region, where 50 children and two teachers perished when the building collapsed. These figures paint a grim picture of the scale of destruction and the challenge rescue teams face as they sift through the rubble.

Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies

As Myanmar grapples with the tragedy, the survivors are left without basic necessities. Aid groups in the worst-hit regions report an urgent need for shelter, food, and clean water. Many survivors have been forced to sleep outdoors, as their homes have been reduced to rubble. The infrastructure damage is extensive, and roads to remote areas are impassable, further complicating the distribution of relief supplies.

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Search And Rescue Operations In Thailand

The earthquake’s impact was also felt in neighbouring Thailand, where search and rescue teams are working tirelessly to find survivors in the collapsed remains of a high-rise building in Bangkok. As the days pass, the chances of finding people alive dwindle, but rescuers remain hopeful. More than 70 people are still believed to be trapped in the rubble, though the situation in Thailand is no longer classified as a disaster zone.

A Nation In Mourning

On Tuesday, Myanmar observed a minute of silence to honor the victims of the earthquake. As rescue efforts continue, the nation fears that the death toll will rise even higher. The situation remains fluid, and the coming days will be critical in determining the full extent of the disaster and the long road to recovery.

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