Quake toll crosses 3,000; rising risk of diseases

Extreme heat and heavy rain in Myanmar could cause disease outbreaks among earthquake survivors camping in the open, global aid bodies warned on April 3, complicating rescue efforts made difficult by a civil war, as the death toll surpassed 3,000.

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BANGKOK - Extreme heat and heavy rain in Myanmar could cause disease outbreaks among earthquake survivors camping in the open, global aid bodies warned on April 3, complicating rescue efforts made difficult by a civil war, as the death toll surpassed 3,000.

The 7.7-magnitude quake on March 28, one of Myanmar's strongest in a century, jolted a region which is home to 28 million, toppling buildings such as hospitals, flattening communities and leaving many without food, water and shelter.

Deaths rose to 3,085 on April 3, with 4,715 injured and 341 missing, the ruling junta said.

The World Health Organisation flagged a rising risk of cholera and other diseases in the worst-affected areas, such as Mandalay, Sagaing and the capital of Naypyitaw, while it prepared US$1 million (S$1.3 million) of relief supplies, including body bags.

"Cholera remains a particular concern for all of us," said Ms Elena Vuolo, the deputy head of its Myanmar office, pointing to an outbreak in 2024 in Mandalay.