Rain hampers quake relief in Myanmar

Death toll rises to 3,500 people

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Rain was compounding misery and presenting new hurdles for relief efforts yesterday in Myanmar, where state media reported the death toll from a devastating earthquake has risen to nearly 3,500 people.

The 6.7-magnitude quake struck on March 28, razing buildings, cutting off power and destroying bridges and roads across the country.

Damage has been particularly severe in the city of Sagaing near the epicentre, as well as in Mandalay, Myanmar's second city with more than 1.7 million residents.