Myanmar Earthquake: Relentless Rain Hampers Rescue Efforts as Death Toll Climbs Past 3,500

The aftermath of the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar is being compounded by relentless rainfall, severely hampering rescue and relief operations. As the death toll surpasses 3,500, with thousands more injured and missing, the looming forecast of a week of rain threatens to exacerbate the already dire situation.

Key Developments:

• Rising Death Toll: As of Sunday, the official death toll has reached 3,564, with 5,012 reported injuries and 210 individuals still missing, according to Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for the military government.
• Rain-Soaked Setback: Heavy rains and thunderstorms over the weekend forced rescuers to temporarily suspend the use of electrical equipment and machinery, critical tools in the search for survivors.
• Weather Warning: Myanmar's state-run MRTV has issued a warning for widespread showers and thunderstorms expected across the country for the next week, further jeopardizing recovery efforts. The warning also cautioned the public about potential strong winds, lightning, hail, and landslides.
• Collapsed Structures: Reports from Mandalay indicate that rain and strong winds have caused additional building collapses, increasing the number of people displaced and in need of shelter.

The earthquake, which struck on March 28 with its epicenter near Mandalay, has inflicted widespread damage across six regions and states, including the capital Naypyitaw. The destruction has disrupted power, telephone, and cell connections, and rendered roads and bridges impassable, hindering damage assessments and relief efforts.

An official from Myanmar Rescue Federation (Mandalay), speaking anonymously, confirmed that rescue operations faced significant challenges due to the weather conditions over the weekend. Despite the difficulties, rescuers are committed to continuing their search.

The Irrawaddy, a Myanmar news site operating in exile, reported the discovery of at least 80 bodies in the wreckage of the Great Wall Hotel in Mandalay. Confirmation of this report is still pending.

The earthquake has further destabilized Myanmar, which has been under military rule since the February 2021 coup. The ongoing civil war between the military government and pro-democracy forces adds another layer of complexity to the disaster response.

Myanmar's military government has reported extensive damage to buildings, schools, monasteries, pagodas, hospitals, bridges, dams, and highways. The full extent of the devastation remains difficult to assess due to communication disruptions and restricted access to affected areas.