The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck central Myanmar last Friday has risen to 2,886, according to China’s Xinhua News Agency. An additional 4,639 people have been injured, while 373 remain missing.

The 7.9-magnitude quake caused widespread destruction to infrastructure and residential buildings, particularly in rural and mountainous areas. Rescue teams continue to face serious challenges in accessing affected zones due to damaged roads and disrupted communications.

Humanitarian organizations and rights groups have called on Myanmar’s military authorities to grant access to international rescue teams and humanitarian aid, including in territories held by resistance forces. The United Nations and other agencies have warned of severe shortages in medical supplies, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.

This natural disaster comes at a time when Myanmar is already grappling with ongoing internal conflict and a fragile humanitarian situation, complicating relief efforts and heightening the urgency for international assistance.