BANGKOK — The death toll from the catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 has tragically surpassed 3,100, as search and rescue teams continue to discover more casualties amidst a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation. According to the military-led government, the latest count indicates that at least 3,145 deaths have been reported, with approximately 4,589 people injured and about 221 more missing, as detailed by Information Minister Maung Maung Ohn during a meeting in Naypyidaw, as reported by Los Angeles Times.

The earthquake's epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, leading to extensive destruction of infrastructure, including thousands of collapsed buildings and damaged roads. Local media have indicated that actual casualty figures may be much higher than official reports due to extensive damage to telecommunications and challenges in accessing remote areas. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that more than 17 million people across 57 of Myanmar's 330 townships have been affected by the disaster.

In the wake of this devastation, humanitarian organizations are wrestling with the urgent need to provide medical aid and shelter. The World Health Organization noted that health facilities have been severely compromised, with four hospitals completely destroyed and 32 partially damaged. It warned that access to healthcare has become nearly impossible in the hardest-hit areas, where thousands now require urgent medical attention.

As many survivors remain displaced or afraid to return home due to ongoing aftershocks, relief efforts have intensified. Workers, facing sweltering temperatures of about 40°C (104°F), are erecting makeshift shelters in Naypyidaw, while more than 1,550 international rescuers are collaborating with local teams to offer assistance, supported by humanitarian supplies from 17 countries.

This natural disaster has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis within Myanmar, which has been embroiled in civil unrest since a military coup in 2021 displaced more than 3 million individuals and left nearly 20 million in need of aid. In response to growing fears that ongoing conflict could impede rescue efforts, the military announced a temporary ceasefire through April 22, alongside similar declarations from opposing armed groups. Despite this, reports of ongoing hostilities have been noted, particularly in Kachin state.

As rescue operations continue and aid is mobilized, the coming days will be critical for assessing the full impact of the earthquake and ensuring the necessary support reaches those affected.

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