Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 3,354 amid humanitarian crisis

The death toll from Myanmar's recent earthquake has reached 3,354, with 4,850 injured and 220 still missing, as reported by state media. The 7.7 magnitude quake severely impacted six regions, disrupting communication and infrastructure, complicating rescue efforts. The military government's leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has returned to Naypyitaw after attending a summit in Bangkok, where he discussed plans for December elections with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called for a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing civil war. Critics describe the planned elections as a facade to maintain military control following the 2021 coup. The United Nations has highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance amid an already dire crisis affecting over 20 million people. Concerns persist that the junta is restricting aid to areas controlled by resistance forces, complicating relief efforts in the quake-affected regions.