The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar last week has risen to 3,085, with search and rescue teams continuing to recover bodies. The military-led government reported the updated figures on Thursday, also stating that another 4,715 people have been injured and 341 are still missing.
The earthquake, which occurred on Friday, had a magnitude of 7.7 and struck near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city. The tremor caused widespread destruction, toppling buildings, damaging roads, and destroying bridges across multiple regions. Due to disrupted telecommunications and difficult access to many affected areas, local media reports suggest the number of casualties may be even higher, and the death toll could rise further as more details emerge.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported significant damage to healthcare infrastructure, with four hospitals and one health center completely destroyed. In addition, 32 hospitals and 18 health centers were partially damaged. The WHO warned that with so many healthcare facilities compromised and many survivors requiring urgent medical care, access to health services has become extremely difficult in the most affected areas. To address the crisis, a mobile hospital from India and a joint Russian-Belarusian hospital are now operating in Mandalay.
As many survivors are left homeless, emergency shelters are being set up. Workers in Naypyitaw are erecting large tents in open fields to provide temporary accommodation for those displaced. In Mandalay, local residents have offered slices of watermelon to volunteers helping with rescue operations, providing some relief from the intense heat.
More than 1,550 international rescuers are now working alongside local teams, and rescue supplies have been sent from 17 countries. Despite the overwhelming situation, the military has declared a temporary ceasefire in response to the earthquake's devastation, extending until April 22. This decision follows ceasefires declared by armed resistance groups.
However, concerns remain that ongoing fighting in the country could hinder the flow of humanitarian aid. As the search and recovery efforts continue, the earthquake has further complicated Myanmar's already dire humanitarian crisis, which had seen over 3 million people displaced and nearly 20 million in need of assistance even before the disaster struck.
News
Man Arrested for Killing Woman Who Rejected Him in 2016
A 28-year-old man has been arrested for the brutal killing of a 45-year-old woman who reportedly rejected his romantic advances nearly a decade ago.
How Balkan Crime Groups Rose to Power in South America's Drug Trade
Over the past two decades, crime groups from the Western Balkans have become key players in South America’s cocaine trade, building strong global networks.
Ethiopia, Uganda Resume Joint Ministerial Talks After Six Years
Ethiopia and Uganda have reconvened their Joint Ministerial Commission after a six-year break, aiming to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as trade, security, and diplomacy.
IG Kanja Defends Presence at Ruto’s Nyeri Rally, Dismisses LSK Claims
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome Kanja has defended his presence at President William Ruto’s rally in Nyeri, dismissing claims by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) that his attendance was inappropriate.
Trade CS Kinyanjui Explains Impact of U.S. 10% Export Tariff on Kenya
Kenya’s Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) has addressed concerns over the new 10% export tariff imposed by the United States, explaining what it means for the country’s trade sector.
Kwale Governor Blocks Illegal Sale of Historic Kongo Mosque Land
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has halted an illegal attempt to sell the 18-acre land surrounding the historic Kongo Mosque, a move welcomed by conservationists and religious leaders.
Sakaja Extends Nairobi Land Rates Payment Deadline to April 15
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has extended the deadline for land rates payments to April 15, 2025, giving property owners more time to settle their dues without facing penalties.
Kenyan Woman Arrested in Mumbai with Cocaine Worth KSh 270M
A 43-year-old Kenyan woman, Emily Kannin Rodha, was arrested in Mumbai on April 1, 2025, for attempting to smuggle 1.7 kg of cocaine valued at approximately KSh 270 million.
Taliban Seeks $100 Million from World Bank to Restart CASA-1000 Project
Afghanistan’s Taliban administration is awaiting the transfer of $100 million from the World Bank to resume work on the Afghan section of the CASA-1000 electricity transmission project, which aims to connect Central Asia with South Asia.
Turkey Moves to Take Control of Syria's T4 Air Base Amid Tensions
Turkey is reportedly taking steps to gain control of Syria's Tiyas air base, also known as T4, to enhance its military presence in the region.
Fire on Lagos Ferry Injures Four Passengers, All Evacuated Safely
A fire broke out on a ferry at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal in Ikorodu, Lagos State, on Thursday, injuring four passengers.
Kenya to Challenge Court Ruling Blocking School Fee Payments on eCitizen
The government plans to appeal a court ruling that blocked the use of the eCitizen platform for paying school fees, arguing that the system was introduced to enhance transparency and accountability in fee collection.
Mudavadi: Kenya Gets 20 South Sudanese Refugees Every Day
Kenya receives about 20 refugees from South Sudan daily, a situation that is straining the country’s resources and presenting new challenges for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, according to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Nigeria Immigration Arrests 51 Malians Over Irregular Entry
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested 51 irregular migrants from Mali in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
DR Congo Overturns Death Sentences for Three Americans in Coup Plot
Three Americans convicted for their involvement in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have had their death sentences reduced to life imprisonment, according to the country's presidency.