Myanmar Earthquake Live Updates: Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 2,056, says Junta

Myanmar Earthquake Live Updates: A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, causing widespread devastation. Myanmar, already suffering from a prolonged civil war and economic instability, has been hit the hardest, with over 1,600 dead and more than 3,400 injured. The quake destroyed buildings, bridges, and dams, leaving many areas in ruins. Communication remains difficult as mobile networks are down, and access to electricity and the internet is limited.Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in 2021, leading to widespread displacement, with over 3 million people forced from their homes. The ongoing civil war has made access to food and healthcare nearly impossible in many areas. International rights groups warn that civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.Even as the country struggles with the earthquake’s impact, military airstrikes have not stopped. Reports indicate that the military has carried out bombings in the Sagaing region, near the quake’s epicentre, as well as in Kayin and Bago regions. The People’s Defence Forces, a network of anti-junta groups, confirmed multiple air raids.Myanmar’s crisis stems from its long history of military rule. After a brief democratic period in 2011, Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government was overthrown in 2021. Since then, violent crackdowns on protests have escalated into full-scale war between the military and pro-democracy forces. The army has lost control of large areas, and dissatisfaction within its ranks is growing.The humanitarian situation is worsening. The UN estimates that 18.6 million people need urgent aid. The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that food rations will be cut by April unless it secures $60 million in funding. Nearly a third of Myanmar’s population is struggling to find enough to eat.Adding to the crisis, US President Donald Trump recently froze foreign aid, affecting Myanmar’s refugee camps and hospitals. The earthquake struck just weeks after this decision, further complicating relief efforts. With foreign assistance shrinking and conflict persisting, Myanmar faces an uncertain and dire future.