The death toll in earthquakes in Myanmar has risen to 2,886. Following the 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude earthquakes in Myanmar, search and rescue efforts continue, but the military forces of the regime in Myanmar opened warning shots at an aid convoy affiliated with the Chinese Red Cross.

According to Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson of the regime, the Chinese Red Cross did not notify the authorities that they would be in the conflict zone on Tuesday night. As per Tun’s statement, a security team fired warning shots into the air when the aid convoy did not stop.

A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the aid team and aid supplies are safe and called on all parties in Myanmar to ensure the safety of search and rescue workers. Guo Jiakun mentioned during a press conference that transportation routes need to remain open and unobstructed for aid efforts to continue.

DEATH TOLL RISES TO 2,886

According to reports in the state media of Myanmar, the death toll in the two earthquakes in Myanmar has reached 2,886, with 4,639 individuals reported as injured.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) reported that Sagaing’s rural areas, most affected by the earthquake, are largely controlled by armed resistance forces in conflict with the regime. The statement from the group highlighted that this region is one of the most challenging areas for aid organizations to reach. A Myanmar resident who had traveled to Sagaing told Reuters, “There are soldiers everywhere in the town. They are there for security, not for rescue. They check every vehicle.”

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) based in the U.S. called on the regime to ensure free access to humanitarian aid and lift restrictions hindering aid organizations.

While armed groups in Myanmar accuse the regime of carrying out airstrikes even after the earthquake, the junta, which took power in 2021, denies the allegations of human rights violations directed at them.

AUSTRALIA PROVIDES $4.1 MILLION IN AID

Following the earthquakes near the Sagaing region in central Myanmar, which were also strongly felt in neighboring Thailand and China, the United Nations (UN) announced that over 28 million people in six regions were affected by the earthquake. The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) highlighted the limited communication means and access by road, indicating that the situation remains critical.

Furthermore, Australia announced that they will provide $6.5 million Australian Dollars ($4.1 million USD) in humanitarian aid to Myanmar. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated today, “We are taking proactive steps to ensure that our aid does not legitimize the military regime in Myanmar.”