Myanmar Junta Blocks Entry of International Journalists to Cover Quake-Affected Areas

Myanmar's military junta has banned entry of foreign media seeking to cover the earthquake-devastated areas in the country as the death toll jumps to 1700.

- INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

The junta has put the restriction, citing difficulties with accommodation, power outages, and water shortages.

"It is not possible for (foreign journalists) to come, stay, find shelter, or move around here. We want everyone to understand this," said Zaw Min Tun, the regime's spokesperson, in an audio statement issued on Sunday.

As local reporters face severe restrictions in Myanmar, the denial of entry to foreign media raises grave concerns about the transparency of the junta's response to the catastrophe.