Nearly a week after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, the death toll has climbed to 3,085, according to the country’s military-led government.

In a statement released Thursday, the military reported that search and rescue teams uncovered more bodies amid the wreckage, while 4,715 people have been injured and 341 remain missing.

The powerful quake, which hit last Friday, leveled thousands of buildings, buckled roads, and destroyed bridges across multiple regions, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the conflict-ridden nation. Local media have reported casualty figures significantly higher than the official tally, and with telecommunications disrupted and many areas still inaccessible, authorities warn the numbers could rise sharply as more information emerges.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in 2021, ousting the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and sparking a civil war. The United Nations estimates that, even before the earthquake, over 3 million people were displaced and nearly 20 million were in need of aid. The disaster has intensified fears that ongoing fighting could hinder relief efforts.

In a rare move, the military declared a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday, effective through April 22, following similar unilateral truces announced by armed resistance groups opposing military rule. However, the military cautioned it would take “necessary” action against any groups using the pause to regroup, train, or launch attacks.

The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar’s borders, striking with deadly force in Bangkok, Thailand. A skyscraper under construction collapsed due to the tremors, killing 22 people and injuring 35. Rescue operations continued Thursday as Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported a possible sign of life detected in the rubble, raising hopes of finding survivors.

As Myanmar grapples with the dual crises of natural disaster and civil conflict, the international community watches closely. Humanitarian organizations are pushing for unimpeded access to affected areas to deliver aid to those in desperate need. With many regions still inaccessible and resources stretched thin, the coming days will be critical in determining the scale of international relief efforts and the response from Myanmar’s military leadership. (ILKHA)