NAYPYIDAW (ANN/ELEVEN MEDIA) – The devastating earthquake that struck near Mandalay on March 28 has now claimed the lives of 3,735 people, with 5,108 individuals injured and 120 still missing, according to a statement released by Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the State Planning Council, as of April 20.
Speaking on the latest figures regarding casualties, injuries, missing persons, and the ongoing international relief efforts, Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun conveyed the government’s condolences to the affected families.
“As of today (April 20), the total number of deaths, injuries, and missing due to the earthquake is 3,735. There are 5,108 injured and 120 missing. The government shares the grief of the families,” he stated.
He further elaborated on the government’s commitment to supporting those affected, echoing the Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Planning Council’s directives. “As the government carries out rehabilitation work, as the Prime Minister, Chairman of the State Planning Council, said, we will provide compensation to the dead and injured, and we are also making arrangements to provide compensation to those who lost their homes according to the type of house they live in,” Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun affirmed.
The spokesman also provided an update on the influx of international aid arriving to assist with the recovery efforts. He reported that 145 aircraft from 25 countries, 23 vehicles from China, five ships from India, and one ship from Bangladesh have reached the affected areas. In terms of personnel, 2,094 rescue workers have arrived, along with 2,514.6 tonnes of relief supplies and 1,197.12 tonnes of relief materials.
The powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck at 12:51:02 PM local time on March 28, with its epicentre located approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Mandalay. The seismic event caused widespread damage and destruction across several regions, including Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, northeastern Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, and Bago Region.
