A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has claimed 2,719 lives, with rescue efforts complicated by ongoing civil unrest and infrastructure challenges, according to official reports as of April 1, 2025.

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar's military government, confirmed 4,521 people were injured and 441 remain missing [1]. The World Health Organization reports over 10,000 buildings have collapsed or sustained severe damage across central and northwest Myanmar.

In a notable rescue, emergency workers extracted a 63-year-old woman from rubble in Naypyitaw after 91 hours, though experts warn survival chances diminish significantly after 72 hours [1]. In Mandalay, near the earthquake's epicenter, 403 people have been rescued while 259 bodies have been recovered.

International aid efforts face significant challenges. Julia Rees, UNICEF's deputy representative for Myanmar, emphasized the urgency: 'The needs are massive, and they are rising by the hour. The window for lifesaving response is closing.' [1]

The humanitarian situation is further complicated by Myanmar's ongoing civil war, which began after the military seized power in 2021. The U.N. reports that even before the earthquake, over 3 million people were displaced and nearly 20 million needed assistance [1].

Health officials warn of potential disease outbreaks due to damaged water and sanitation infrastructure, with risks including respiratory infections, skin diseases, and vector-borne illnesses [1]. The approaching monsoon season adds urgency to shelter needs for displaced survivors.

International rescue teams from Russia, China, India, the UAE, and Southeast Asian countries are operating in affected areas, with a U.S. team en route [1]. The National Unity Government, Myanmar's shadow opposition, has called for a unilateral ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery.