Shocking aftermath: Myanmar earthquake claims over 2,000 lives – the true scale of the destruction

The death toll from last week's devastating earthquake in Myanmar has surpassed 2,000, with many fearing that the number will continue to rise as rescue efforts progress. The 7.7 magnitude quake struck on Friday, with its epicenter located near Myanmar's second-largest city, Mandalay. State media reported the tragic loss of life, including 200 Buddhist monks who were killed when a monastery collapsed, 50 children who died in a preschool classroom, and 700 Muslim worshipers killed while praying at mosques during Ramadan. In addition, thousands of people remain missing, and over 3,900 are reported injured.

The earthquake caused widespread destruction, particularly in Mandalay, where buildings, including the city’s airport, collapsed, and roads buckled. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations warned that the situation could worsen, especially since Myanmar was already facing dire conditions due to ongoing civil war, which has displaced millions. More than 20 million people in Myanmar were in need of humanitarian assistance before the earthquake, and the devastation could exacerbate hunger and disease outbreaks.

Rescue operations have been hampered by power outages, fuel shortages, and limited communication. With temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F), rescuers are working under extreme conditions, often without heavy machinery, relying on manual searches. In Mandalay, teams are still searching for victims trapped under rubble, including around 150 monks at a collapsed monastery. Additionally, many remote areas remain inaccessible, making it difficult to assess the full scale of the disaster.

The World Health Organization reported the destruction of several hospitals, and many more have been damaged. The need for trauma care, surgical supplies, and mental health support is urgent. Aid efforts are further complicated by Myanmar's ongoing civil war, which has left large parts of the country under military control, making it dangerous and difficult for aid groups to operate.

International assistance has been mobilized, with teams from countries such as India, China, Russia, and several Southeast Asian nations on the ground. The U.S. and other Western nations have also pledged millions of dollars in aid. Despite the ongoing challenges, rescue teams continue their search for survivors, hoping to find more people alive amid the devastation.