Death toll soars as earthquake devastates Myanmar

On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The hardest-hit area was Mandalay, where the tremors were felt across neighboring countries including Vietnam and Thailand. The earthquake resulted in over 1,600 deaths and thousands of injuries, with estimates predicting that the toll could exceed 10,000 as rescue operations continue to assess the damage and the humanitarian crisis escalates. The earthquake struck at a time when Myanmar was already facing severe difficulties, having been embroiled in a civil war since the military coup in 2021. This ongoing conflict has severely hampered local capacity for response and recovery. Approximately 3,400 individuals were reported injured, and critical infrastructure was heavily damaged. Hospitals quickly became overwhelmed with casualties, complicating the ongoing public health issues in the country, where access to healthcare and essential services is already limited. In the aftermath of the disaster, many members of Myanmar's diaspora, including those in Singapore, expressed their distress and fear for loved ones back home. Hein Htet Zaw, a 27-year-old who was in Singapore's Peninsula Plaza when the quake struck, managed to contact his family, who were fortunate to be unharmed. However, like many others, he felt a deep sense of helplessness watching the aftermath of the quake and its devastating impact on Myanmar, where aid is desperately needed. Many individuals from the Myanmar diaspora are actively seeking ways to support relief efforts despite being physically distant from their homeland. Donations are being organized, with some people pledging substantial amounts to relief organizations. The need for timely and effective aid is critical as the situation progresses, with calls for international assistance becoming increasingly urgent.