Hanoi (VNA) - The death toll from the devastating March 28 earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 2,886 by April 2. Additionally, 4,639 people have been injured, and 373 remain missing, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake has caused widespread destruction in central Myanmar, displacing tens of thousands. The situation has been further complicated by ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Sagaing region, making it extremely difficult to deliver aid to affected areas.
In a statement on April 1, an alliance of three ethnic armed groups announced a unilateral one-month ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian assistance.
International aid organisations have urged Myanmar’s military authorities to grant relief workers access to earthquake-affected areas, including those controlled by opposition forces.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) reported that relief efforts face significant challenges due to disrupted transport and damaged infrastructure. According to UNOPS, more than 28 million people in Myanmar have been affected, while only 12 million USD has been mobilised so far to provide immediate food, medicine, water, shelter, sanitation, mental health support, and other essential services.
Many countries are stepping up efforts to support Myanmar during this crisis. On April 2, Australia announced a humanitarian aid package worth 6.5 million AUD (approximately 4.1 million USD) to assist Myanmar through international and local partners.
The Chinese government has pledged emergency aid worth 100 million CNY (approximately 13.7 million USD) and dispatched rescue teams to affected areas. The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar has also immediately transferred 1.5 million CNY (nearly 207,000 USD) to the Myanmar Red Cross Society.
In neighbouring Thailand, the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks have claimed 22 lives and damaged hundreds of buildings. Rescue teams are racing against time to search for possible survivors trapped in the rubble of a collapsed high-rise building under construction in Bangkok. Reports indicate that 15 people have died and 72 remain missing in the collapse.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has extended condolences to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over the earthquake’s impact. He expressed confidence that Thailand will swiftly recover from the disaster and restore stability./.
