As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck on March 28, the challenges for survivors have intensified due to heavy rains forecast for the coming week. The death toll has now reached at least 3,471, with officials estimating over 5,000 injured and around 210 still missing, according to state media reports from Reuters and The Jakarta Post.

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake has caused extensive damage across several regions including Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. Affected survivors, many of whom now live in temporary shelters or out in the open, face further hardships as weather forecasts predict thunderstorms and extreme heat, with daytime temperatures expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). The state-run MRTV has warned residents to be prepared for further rain accompanied by strong winds and potential landslides Los Angeles Times.

UN aid chief Tom Fletcher has highlighted the dire need for assistance in the disaster zone. He noted the difficulties faced by victims, emphasizing how the compounding crises of a natural disaster and ongoing civil unrest have significantly heightened humanitarian needs in the region Al Jazeera.

Aid agencies are growing increasingly concerned that the unseasonable rain could lead to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera among displaced individuals. The harsh conditions have complicated efforts to provide necessary relief Channel News Asia.

Despite a declared ceasefire, the country remains embroiled in conflict, with military operations reportedly continuing even in areas seeking aid. There have been claims of military bombings in regions not supportive of the junta, further complicating the humanitarian response CBS News.

The humanitarian situation has prompted responses from neighboring countries, including China and India, that are sending relief supplies and rescue teams to assist those in need. However, the overall response from the international community has been complicated by political tensions and continued military governance since the coup in February 2021, which has left the country in a state of ongoing chronic crisis NPR.

With the earthquake worsening an already dire situation in Myanmar, where over 3 million people have already been displaced by ongoing conflict, urgent assistance is vital to provide survivors with the basic necessities of food, water, and shelter as the region faces another week of severe weather.