Naypyitaw: The death toll of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that devastated Myanmar has risen to 3,471. The rescue and relief efforts have also been affected due to the intense rainfall, highlighting the risk of diseases, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday. Rescue workers in Mandalay, the city located near the earthquake’s epicentre, stated that overnight rain accompanied by strong winds damaged tents where the survivors have taken shelter.
Relief agencies have expressed concern that the combination of heavy rains and extreme heat could lead to disease outbreaks, such as cholera, among those living in temporary shelters, Al Jazeera reported.
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake devastated a significant portion of Myanmar, impacting six regions and states, including the capital. The quake, affecting a country of 50 million people, severely disrupted infrastructure, including power, communication networks, and transportation. The extent of the damage is still being assessed due to communication difficulties. This natural disaster further complicates the existing humanitarian crisis stemming from Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict, which has already displaced millions and created a substantial need for aid.
The Military-led state media has confirmed that the earthquake has claimed 3,471 lives, injured 4,671 people, and left 214 missing. In addition, it has damaged over 5,200 buildings, 1,800 schools, 4,800 pagodas and temples, 167 hospitals and clinics, 169 bridges, 198 dams, and 184 sections of the country’s main highway.
Meanwhile, relief work is in full swing, with India also playing its part in the humanitarian efforts under Operation Brahma.
On Friday, India delivered 442 tonnes of food aid to the disaster-struck nation as part of its ongoing humanitarian response.
India’s Operation Brahma has provided 625 metric tons of humanitarian aid to disaster-stricken areas, with the latest shipment included in this total. Eighty personnel and four specialized search dogs from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are currently on-site conducting rescue operations.
Notably, India’s field hospital in Myanmar has garnered praise, as it is treating as many as 800 patients, the Indian Embassy in Myanmar said.
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