Myanmar Earthquake: Death Toll Rises To 1700

The death toll from the massive earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has surpassed 1,700. Meanwhile, at least 18 people have been killed in the neighbouring Thailand. Reports suggest that hundreds of people remain missing, with rescue efforts under way in both countries.

Aid from various countries, including India and China, has begun flowing into Myanmar. In response to the situation, the United Nations said it was rushing relief supplies to an estimated 23,000 survivors. "Our teams in Mandalay are joining efforts to scale up the humanitarian response despite going through the trauma themselves," said Noriko Takagi, the UN refugee agency's representative in Myanmar, as quoted by Reuters.

The United States Geological Survey earlier estimated that the death toll from the disaster could range between 10,000 and 100,000. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake has completely damaged roads and bridges and flattened many buildings in Myanmar. The massive earthquake comes after four years of civil war in the country that followed a military coup in 2021.