The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 has risen to 3,354, according to figures released by the military council. However, humanitarian aid efforts remain severely hampered, especially in areas controlled by resistance forces.
The military’s statement reports that the highest number of fatalities occurred in Mandalay Region with 2,122 deaths, followed by 615 in Naypyidaw Union Territory, 507 in Sagaing Region, 66 in Shan State, and 44 in Bago Region. Additionally, at least 4,508 people were reported injured and 220 are still missing.
Despite the scale of the disaster, aid delivery to earthquake victims has been obstructed by military-imposed restrictions, particularly in conflict-affected regions. In Sagaing and Bago regions, local philanthropic groups and donors have only been allowed to provide assistance within areas firmly under military control, such as the city of Sagaing itself.
Efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to areas under the control of resistance forces have reportedly been blocked by the military. This has left many earthquake survivors without basic support or medical care.
Similarly, in Bago Region, residents of heavily affected areas such as Tanttapan, Oattwin, and Taungoo townships have been unable to receive aid due to military roadblocks and denial of access to relief organizations.
The situation has raised grave concerns among civil society and humanitarian actors, who are urging for unimpeded access to all affected regions, regardless of political or military control, in order to provide lifesaving support to the thousands impacted by the disaster.
