Myanmar earthquake disaster: Death toll nears 3,000, relief urgent

    
• An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Myanmar, and its epicentre was located near the city of Mandalay. The tremors were also felt in neighbouring Thailand.
• Over 2,700 people have died, and more than 4,500 have been injured. More than 10,000 buildings have collapsed or been damaged.
• Throughout the country, a moment of silence was observed in memory of the victims, and flags on official buildings will remain at half-staff until April 6.

According to information provided by junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, the death toll from the earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 2,719, and more than 4,500 people have been injured.

Authorities warn that the death toll may exceed 3,000. Searches for the missing are ongoing, with the number of missing at 441.

In the region near Mandalay, which was close to the epicentre, the situation is particularly difficult. The collapse of a kindergarten resulted in the deaths of at least 50 children and two caregivers.

According to the BBC, the stench of decomposing bodies filled the streets of the city of Sagaing near the epicentre, and the crematoriums in nearby Mandalay are overwhelmed. One of the British broadcaster's interviewees said that the bodies of those killed are being cremated on pyres.

Aid organizations are raising the alarm about the urgent need for shelter, food, and water for those affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that over 10,000 buildings have collapsed or been seriously damaged in the central and northwestern parts of the country.

In Thailand, where the tremors were also felt, at least 18 people, mainly construction workers, have been killed. The tremors damaged hundreds of buildings, including skyscrapers in Bangkok, located approximately 1,000 kilometres from the epicentre.