In the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar, the country is mourning an increasing death toll now reported at 2,719, as confirmed by military chief Min Aung Hlaing during a speech broadcast on state television. The latest reports indicate that 4,521 individuals have been injured, with troublingly 441 still unaccounted for. Authorities warn that the toll could eclipse 3,000 as rescue operations continue.

In a tragic parallel, Bangkok has also seen loss, where officials have recovered an additional body from the wreckage of a collapsed skyscraper, raising the death toll in Thailand to 14.

Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

The World Food Programme's regional director, Samir Wanmali, stressed the dire conditions prevailing in Myanmar, noting the immense destruction caused by the tragedy. “Thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, are homeless and facing acute shortages of food, shelter, and water. Our ongoing humanitarian response is imperative,” he stated, emphasizing the challenges faced in accessing affected areas due to damaged infrastructure.

Amidst the chaos, survivors have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences. A monk present during the quake recounted seeing the partial collapse of the Sky Villa Condo, with echoes of panic as people fled to safety. “I haven't seen anyone pulled out alive recently; only bodies have been recovered,