The Earthquake in Myanmar: A Tragic Toll and Major Humanitarian Challenges

Nearly 3,500 people have lost their lives in a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, according to a new toll reported by state media on Sunday.

More than a week after this tragedy, many Burmese are forced to sleep outside or in tents as harsh weather complicates rescue efforts and worsens living conditions for survivors. The earthquake has devastated buildings and destroyed infrastructure across the country, resulting in 3,471 deaths and 4,671 injuries, while 214 people are still reported missing.

Humanitarian workers are warning of increased risks of disease spread due to severe weather and intense heat, with temperatures expected to reach 37°C on Sunday.

According to a UN estimate, more than three million people have been directly or indirectly affected by this disaster, which adds to the aftermath of four years of civil war. This period of conflict has left the country’s economy and infrastructure in ruins, significantly complicating the delivery of international humanitarian aid, according to the UN.