Daijiworld Media Network – Naypyidaw
Naypyidaw, Apr 2: The death toll from the catastrophic earthquake that struck Myanmar earlier this week has soared past 2,700, with thousands more injured or unaccounted for, plunging the nation into one of its worst humanitarian crises in recent years.
The powerful 7.2-magnitude quake wreaked havoc across vast stretches of the country, with rural and hilly regions bearing the brunt of the devastation. Crumbling infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, and schools, has left tens of thousands homeless and in desperate need of emergency aid.
Despite urgent appeals from international aid organizations and neighbouring countries, Myanmar’s military junta has refused proposals for a temporary ceasefire aimed at facilitating relief operations. Humanitarian agencies had urged the regime to allow unrestricted access to conflict-ridden areas where rescue efforts remain severely hampered.
“The junta’s unwillingness to agree to a ceasefire is alarming. It is obstructing relief efforts and placing thousands of innocent lives at greater risk,” a representative of a global relief agency told on Sunday.
Reports from affected areas paint a grim picture of despair, with rescuers battling against time to reach remote communities cut off by destroyed roads and disrupted communication networks. As aftershocks continue to rattle the region, panic and confusion have compounded the suffering of survivors.
The United Nations has called upon Myanmar’s military rulers to put aside political differences and prioritize humanitarian needs, warning that the situation could deteriorate further if aid is not delivered swiftly and efficiently.
International agencies have expressed frustration over the political impasse, which they fear will exacerbate the disaster’s impact. They have urged the global community to intensify diplomatic pressure on Myanmar’s rulers to ensure aid reaches those in desperate need.
As rescue operations continue under challenging conditions, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could save countless lives