Mon Mar 31 10:25:37 UTC 2025: ## Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Rises Above 1,700 Amidst Crippling Equipment Shortages
**Naypyidaw, Myanmar** – The death toll from Friday’s devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has climbed to over 1,700, the military-led government announced Sunday, declaring a week of national mourning. The official figure is expected to rise significantly, with thousands injured and hundreds still missing, particularly in the Mandalay region, where the quake’s epicenter was located.
Search and rescue efforts are hampered by a critical shortage of heavy machinery and equipment, hindering the ability to sift through the rubble and reach survivors. Rescue workers report being overwhelmed by the scale of the destruction and working tirelessly under extreme heat, often resorting to manual searches. The “golden 72 hours” for survival after a quake is rapidly expiring, adding urgency to the situation.
Major-General Zaw Min Tun, government spokesman, stated that at least 3,400 people have been injured and over 300 are missing in Mandalay alone, where mosques, bridges, and the airport suffered damage. The earthquake also impacted neighboring Thailand, resulting in at least 18 fatalities.
International aid is arriving from countries including India, China, Malaysia, and Singapore, but the lack of proper equipment within Myanmar remains a major obstacle. Communication outages are further complicating assessment efforts, with reports suggesting widespread devastation in areas yet to be fully assessed. Lauren Ellery of the International Rescue Committee highlighted the difficulties, citing reports of 80% building collapse in one town near Mandalay, information delayed due to communication issues.
The extreme heat, exceeding 40°C (104°F), adds further strain on rescue workers and survivors. The situation underscores the urgent need for additional heavy equipment and resources to aid in the search and rescue efforts and provide much-needed assistance to those affected.
First Piper 