As the Myanmar earthquake death toll climbed past 3,000, Myanmar’s leader prepared to travel to Thailand for a regional Bangkok summit. Rescue efforts are hampered by ongoing civil conflict. International aid organizations are working to provide relief, amid concerns of disease outbreaks.
Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has arrived in Thailand for a Bangkok summit as his country struggles with the aftermath of a powerful earthquake. The disaster, which struck central Myanmar last Friday, has claimed 3,085 lives and left 4,715 people injured. Authorities expect the number to rise as many remain missing.
The summit brings together leaders from seven countries near the Bay of Bengal. Thailand, which also felt the quake and reported 21 deaths, has suggested a joint statement on the disaster response. Min Aung Hlaing’s attendance is unusual since sanctioned leaders are typically not invited to such events.
Rescue efforts in Myanmar have been slow due to damaged roads and ongoing conflict. The military, which has been engaged in a civil war since seizing power in 2021, announced a temporary ceasefire to support relief work. However, tensions remain high, with reports of military action even after the quake. On Tuesday night, soldiers fired at a convoy from the Chinese Red Cross, saying it failed to stop when signaled.
Rescue Operations Are Facing Challenges
International aid has started arriving, but delivering help to remote areas remains difficult. The World Health Organization has warned of disease outbreaks, particularly cholera, in regions such as Mandalay and Sagaing. Many hospitals have been damaged, making medical assistance even harder to provide. With temperatures reaching 38°C (100°F), many survivors are sleeping outdoors, afraid to return to unstable buildings.
Heavy rain is expected soon, which could further complicate rescue and aid efforts. Relief workers have expressed concern that the wet conditions will increase health risks and make transportation even harder.
At the summit, Min Aung Hlaing is expected to discuss Myanmar’s situation with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The country’s economic struggles, ongoing conflict, and now the earthquake have created a deep humanitarian crisis. Aid organizations are urging Myanmar’s authorities to remove barriers to relief efforts and allow more international support.
As survivors try to recover, communities across Myanmar are coming together to provide food, water, and shelter. Volunteers have stepped in to help where official relief efforts are slow. With challenges mounting, global attention remains on Myanmar as it deals with one of its deadliest disasters in recent history.
