Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Passes 2,000...

The devastation from last week's massive earthquake in Myanmar is becoming clearer—and the numbers are heartbreaking. According to state media, the death toll has now climbed past 2,000, and it could rise even higher as rescuers reach remote areas.

The 7.7 magnitude quake struck on Friday, with its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. It buckled roads, collapsed buildings, and even damaged the city's airport. The situation is dire, with power outages, fuel shortages, and barely functioning communications making rescue efforts even more difficult.

Hundreds Killed in Religious Sites

Among the victims were 270 Buddhist monks, crushed when their monastery collapsed, and at least 700 Muslim worshippers, who were killed as mosques crumbled during Friday prayers in Ramadan.

Tun Kyi, from the Spring Revolution Myanmar Muslim Network, said at least 60 mosques were damaged or destroyed, and videos online show buildings toppling like dominoes. It’s unclear if these numbers are already included in the official death toll.

A Country Already in Crisis

Even before this disaster, Myanmar was struggling. Years of civil war had already displaced over 3 million people, and now the earthquake has made things even worse. Aid groups, including the United Nations, are warning of hunger, disease outbreaks, and a desperate need for medical care.

Rescuers in Mandalay are still searching through the rubble of U Hla Thein monastery, where 150 monks remain missing. But with limited heavy machinery, many dig with their bare hands—all while battling 40-degree heat.

Access to many areas has been cut off by landslides, and the World Health Organization says at least three hospitals were destroyed, with 22 others damaged.

How Bad Is It? No One Knows Yet.

With communications down, no one really knows the full scale of the disaster. Lauren Ellery, from the International Rescue Committee, said reports from a town near Mandalay suggest 80% of buildings have collapsed, but it's barely been covered in the news because it's impossible to get information out.

A Microsoft AI analysis of satellite images from Mandalay found 515 buildings completely destroyed and over 1,500 heavily damaged—but that’s just one city.

International Aid Is Arriving

Despite the challenges, help is starting to arrive. Teams from Russia, China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are on the ground.

On Monday, an Indian rescue team was seen jackhammering through concrete in Mandalay, pulling out bodies. Countries like the EU, UK, Australia, and South Korea have pledged millions in aid, and the U.S. is sending a team of experts and up to $2 million in assistance.

Bangkok Hit Too

The earthquake wasn’t just felt in Myanmar—it also caused damage in Bangkok, Thailand, where at least 18 people died, many at a collapsed construction site near the famous Chatuchak Market.

Rescuers there have been forced to pause heavy equipment while they listen for signs of life. On Sunday night, they picked up possible signals—but couldn’t confirm if they were from survivors.

Among those waiting for news is Naruemon Thonglek, whose partner and five friends were working at the site. “A part of me still hopes they will survive,” she said, watching rescuers dig through the rubble.

With the monsoon season just around the corner, finding shelter for survivors will be a major challenge. For now, the priority remains rescuing those still trapped—before time runs out.