United Nations officials assessing the earthquake devastation in Myanmar have urged the global community to accelerate aid efforts before the monsoon season worsens the already dire conditions. As of Tuesday, April 1, the death toll had reached 2,719 and was expected to exceed 3,000. Marcoluigi Corsi, acting humanitarian and resident coordinator, stressed the urgent need for drinking water, food, hygiene supplies, shelter, and medical assistance following widespread destruction to infrastructure. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to aiding those affected, emphasizing the need for swift action before the monsoons intensify the crisis.

Even before the 7.7-magnitude quake struck on Friday, Myanmar's civil war had already displaced over three million people. UN Special Envoy for Myanmar, Julie Bishop, called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and the safety of aid workers. She warned that ongoing military activity in disaster-hit regions could result in further casualties.

Rescue Efforts and Challenges: With time running out, aid organizations in Myanmar cautioned that the chance of finding survivors was dwindling. Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, reported that 2,719 people had died, 4,521 were injured, and 441 remained missing—most presumed dead. He acknowledged that survival chances were slim.

The earthquake, the strongest to hit Myanmar in over a century, devastated cities such as Mandalay and Naypyitaw, destroying both ancient pagodas and modern structures. UN agencies reported that overwhelmed hospitals and damaged infrastructure were hampering relief efforts. Meanwhile, rebel groups accused the military of continuing airstrikes in affected areas, despite the disaster. In response, a major rebel alliance declared a unilateral ceasefire to facilitate relief operations. However, military-run MRTV later reported that while the army had paused offensives, it believed certain ethnic minority groups were using the crisis to regroup and prepare for attacks.

Survivors and Widespread Destruction: Aftershocks continued to shake the region, further complicating rescue operations. UNICEF’s Julia Rees described entire communities reduced to rubble, with survivors experiencing immense trauma. She stressed that humanitarian needs were rapidly increasing and that time for life-saving interventions was running out.

In a rare survival story, a 63-year-old woman was rescued from the rubble in Naypyitaw after being trapped for 91 hours, thanks to efforts by Myanmar’s fire department and rescue teams from India, China, and Russia. However, tragedies continued to unfold, including the deaths of 50 children and two teachers when their preschool collapsed in Mandalay.

Earthquake Impact Beyond Myanmar: The disaster also affected neighboring Thailand, where the death toll climbed to 21, and hundreds of buildings sustained damage. In Bangkok, rescuers continued searching for survivors in the ruins of a collapsed, under-construction skyscraper, though hopes were fading.

Bangkok authorities estimated that 70 bodies remained trapped under the rubble, with 12 detected using scanning technology. However, access to them was obstructed by large debris. Despite the challenges, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt remained hopeful, noting that survival for up to two weeks was possible.

As Myanmar struggles to cope with the aftermath, international pressure is mounting on its military government to prioritize relief efforts over ongoing conflict. Amnesty International condemned reports of continued airstrikes, stating, “You cannot ask for aid with one hand and bomb with the other.”

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Facebook/Myanmar Fire Services Department.