Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 1644 as Rescue Efforts Lag

Myanmar’s military government has confirmed that a 7.7 magnitude earthquake has killed at least 1644 people. The disaster struck near Mandalay the country’s second-largest city earlier this week. Rescue teams are struggling to reach survivors amid widespread destruction and damaged infrastructure.

The quake leveled scores of buildings and left thousands homeless in the already war-torn nation. Authorities say the death toll may rise as more bodies are recovered from the rubble. Foreign aid groups have begun arriving to assist the overwhelmed military-led response.

Myanmar’s junta opened its borders to hundreds of international rescue workers on Saturday. This marks a rare move for the secretive regime facing a deadly crisis. Damaged roads and bridges have slowed efforts to deliver food and medical supplies to hard-hit areas.

The earthquake is the deadliest natural disaster in Myanmar in decades. It compounds the suffering of a population battered by years of conflict and poverty. Relief agencies warn that disease and hunger could claim more lives without swift action.

Residents of Mandalay and nearby towns report ongoing aftershocks adding to the chaos. Many are sleeping outdoors fearing more collapses of weakened structures. The military has deployed troops to maintain order and assist with recovery.

International leaders have pledged support but face logistical hurdles in reaching the isolated country. The UN estimates that over 1 million people may need urgent aid in the coming weeks. Myanmar’s limited resources leave it ill-equipped to handle the disaster’s scale alone.

Critics of the junta say its mismanagement has worsened the crisis over time. They argue that corruption and neglect left infrastructure vulnerable to such events. The government insists it is doing all it can under dire circumstances.

Aid efforts will test Myanmar’s uneasy ties with the global community as needs mount. Survivors face a long road to rebuild in a nation already on edge. The quake’s toll highlights the fragility of life in one of Asia’s poorest countries.