The death toll from earthquakes in Myanmar has risen to 2,886. Following the 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude earthquakes, search and rescue operations continue in Myanmar. The military junta in Myanmar has confirmed that warning shots were fired at an aid convoy belonging to the Chinese Red Cross. The junta’s spokesperson, Zaw Min Tun, stated today that the Chinese Red Cross did not notify authorities of their presence in the conflict area on Tuesday night. According to Tun’s statement, a security team fired warning shots into the air when the aid convoy did not stop.

A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry assured that the aid team and supplies were safe, urging all parties in Myanmar to ensure the safety of search and rescue workers. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized the need to keep transportation routes open and unimpeded for the continuation of relief efforts.

DEATH TOLL RISES TO 2,886

Reports from state media in Myanmar indicate that the death toll from the two earthquakes in Myanmar has reached 2,886, with 4,639 individuals reported injured.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) reported that Sagaing, one of the regions most affected by the earthquake, predominantly under the control of ‘armed resistance forces’ in conflict with the military junta. The group highlighted that reaching this area was particularly challenging for aid organizations. A Myanmar resident who traveled to Sagaing told Reuters that “there are soldiers everywhere in the town. They are there for security, not for rescue. They check every vehicle.”

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) based in the US called on the junta to ensure unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and lift restrictions hindering aid agencies.

While armed groups in Myanmar accuse the junta of carrying out airstrikes even after the earthquake, the junta, which seized power in 2021, denies allegations of human rights violations.

AUSTRALIA PROVIDES $4.1 MILLION AID

Following the earthquakes near the Sagaing region in central Myanmar, which were also strongly felt in neighboring Thailand and China, the United Nations (UN) announced that over 28 million people in six regions were affected by the earthquake. The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) reported that limited communication resources and restricted road access continued to pose critical challenges.

Furthermore, Australia announced that they would provide $6.5 million Australian Dollars ($4.1 million US Dollars) in humanitarian aid to Myanmar. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated today, “We are taking proactive steps to ensure our assistance does not legitimize the military regime in Myanmar.”