Death Toll in Myanmar Earthquake Could Exceed 3,000, 441 Still Missing, 4,521 Injured
Myanmar, April 1, 2025 – Following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on Friday, the death toll has reached 2,719 as of Monday, with the country's military ruler, Min Aung Hlaing, stating that the number could exceed 3,000. At least 4,521 people have been injured, and 441 people remain missing, most of whom are believed to have perished.
This was the most powerful earthquake to hit the Southeast Asian country in over a century, causing extensive damage in Mandalay and the capital, Naypyidaw. Thousands of ancient pagodas and modern buildings have been destroyed. Myanmar, with a population of 53 million, has been in political instability and economic distress since a coup in 2021, further exacerbating the crisis caused by the earthquake.
Various United Nations agencies have reported that hospitals in Myanmar are overwhelmed, rescue operations are severely hindered, and due to the ongoing civil war and infrastructure damage, delivering aid has become extremely difficult. UNICEF’s Julia Res said, "Entire communities have been wiped out, and the destruction, along with the psychological trauma, is immense. And this crisis is still ongoing. Aftershocks are still hitting after the earthquake. Rescue operations are continuing, and bodies are still being pulled from the rubble."
Relief organizations have reported severe shortages of food, water, and shelter, and urgent action is needed to provide assistance. Rebel groups in Myanmar have declared a unilateral one-month ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. However, the Myanmar government has accused the rebels of continuing attacks even during the crisis.
In Thailand, in the wake of the earthquake, 21 deaths have been reported, with a construction site skyscraper in the capital, Bangkok, collapsing. Rescue operations are still ongoing, hoping to find survivors under the rubble, but much time has passed.
Humanitarian organizations worldwide have called for swift international action, as delivering aid and conducting rescue operations in Myanmar has become increasingly difficult.
