Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 3,471 Amid Relief Challenges

Heavy rains in Myanmar are complicating relief efforts following a devastating earthquake that occurred on March 28, which has now resulted in a death toll of 3,471, with 4,671 injured and 214 still missing. Aid agencies are warning that the combination of unseasonable rains and extreme heat could lead to outbreaks of disease, including cholera, among survivors living outdoors. The United Nations has stressed the urgent need for tents to shelter the homeless, with aid chief Tom Fletcher emphasizing that coordinated action is crucial to saving lives. Neighboring countries like China and India have dispatched relief supplies, but internal conflicts within Myanmar continue to hinder effective aid distribution. The United States has pledged at least $9 million in support, although the dismantling of its foreign aid program is impacting its response capabilities. In Thailand, the death toll from the quake has also risen to 24, highlighting the widespread devastation caused by the disaster.