BANGKOK: The situation in earthquake-stricken Myanmar continues to deteriorate as heavy rains swept through the affected areas over the weekend.

Aid agencies have warned that the combination of inclement weather and the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck on March 28 is complicating relief efforts and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks among survivors.

Death Toll and Urgent Need for Aid

As of April 5, state media reports confirm the death toll has tragically reached 3,471, with an additional 4,671 individuals injured and 214 still unaccounted for.

The urgent need for tents to shelter those rendered homeless has been highlighted by UN aid chief Tom Fletcher, who emphasized the necessity for immediate humanitarian support.

Concerns Over Government Response

The government’s inability to provide adequate assistance is alarming.

Survivors are reported to be sleeping in makeshift conditions outside the ruined remains of their homes, with the looming fear of additional earthquakes haunting them.

"We need to get tents and hope to survivors as they rebuild their shattered lives," Fletcher stressed, advocating for strong and coordinated humanitarian action.

International Response to the Crisis

Regional neighbors, including China, India, and several Southeast Asian nations, have sent relief supplies and rescue teams to assist those recovering from this disaster in a region populated by approximately 28 million people.

However, despite this, the United States, recently the world’s leading humanitarian donor, has pledged at least $9 million to support the region, a stark contrast to earlier times before cuts to its foreign aid program were made.

Notably, the termination of three USAID workers dispatched to Myanmar has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the U.S. response during this crisis.

Wider Implications Beyond Myanmar

Tragically, the quake's impacts are not limited to Myanmar alone.

In Thailand, the death toll has now reached 24, with a significant number of those casualties stemming from a construction site collapse in Bangkok.

Political Context and Ongoing Conflict

Further complicating relief efforts is the current state of Myanmar's government, which has struggled to maintain control since the military coup that ousted Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021.

The ongoing civil conflict has displaced over 3 million people, compounded by severe food insecurity—leading to more than a third of the population needing urgent humanitarian assistance.

Ceasefire and Military Operations

Despite a ceasefire announced recently, the military junta has faced criticism over its actions.

Reports indicate ongoing military operations against civilians, with multiple attacks in Karenni and Shan states surfacing post-ceasefire, resulting in civilian casualties.

A spokesperson from the junta has yet to respond to these allegations, raising further calls for international scrutiny.

Urgency for Humanitarian Assistance

The upcoming weeks are crucial as rain continues to pour, threatening to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation.

The urgency for coordinated relief efforts couldn’t be clearer—survivors need assistance now more than ever as they navigate the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, and the potential fallout from illness and injury looms large.

Will the international community respond swiftly enough to prevent another tragedy?