Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 3,000 as Rescue Efforts Hindered by Incoming Rain:

The number of confirmed deaths from last week’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has reached 3,003, with over 4,500 people injured and 351 still missing. The powerful quake, among the strongest in the country’s recent history, struck a region inhabited by approximately 28 million people, causing extensive structural damage and displacing thousands.

According to Myanmar’s embassy in Japan, which released the figures via Facebook, rescue operations remain ongoing, but worsening weather conditions could soon complicate efforts.

Unseasonal Rain Expected to Hamper Relief Efforts

Weather officials have warned that rainfall is forecast from Sunday through April 11, posing serious risks to affected areas including Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyidaw. Aid workers expressed concern that the rain could endanger survivors still trapped under debris.

"Rain is incoming and there are still so many buried," an aid worker told Reuters. "In Mandalay, if it rains, survivors may drown even if they’ve survived until now."

International Response and Challenges Amid Civil Conflict

So far, 53 airlifts of aid have been delivered, and more than 1,900 rescue personnel from 15 countries—including China, India, Russia, and several Southeast Asian nations—have joined the emergency response.

Despite the widespread destruction, Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing is expected to leave for a regional summit in Bangkok on Thursday. The trip is considered rare amid the general’s international isolation due to Western sanctions and an International Criminal Court investigation.

Ceasefire Announced Amid Political Instability

To support disaster relief, Myanmar’s military government declared a 20-day unilateral ceasefire, although they stated they would respond if rebels initiated attacks. A major rebel alliance had previously called a ceasefire to enable humanitarian work.

Since the 2021 coup that removed the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, the military has struggled to maintain control, and the country continues to face deteriorating healthcare, infrastructure, and economic conditions.

Thailand Also Hit by Earthquake Impact

In neighboring Thailand, rescue teams continue to search for survivors after a skyscraper under construction in Bangkok collapsed due to the quake. So far, 15 people have been confirmed dead and 72 remain missing, with the national death toll standing at 22.