Myanmar declares week of mourning as earthquake death toll surpasses 2,000

Myanmar’s military leadership, on Monday, March 31, 2025, declared a week of national mourning following a massive earthquake which has killed more than 2,000 people.

The military leadership declared the national mourning with flags to fly at half-mast until April 6 “in sympathy for the loss of life and damages” from the earthquake.

In Thailand, hopes faded of finding more survivors amid the rubble.

The devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar last Friday “is just the latest brutal assault on children” in the war-torn country, said UNICEF’s Regional Chief of Emergency Operations, Trevor Clark.

The death toll in Myanmar has risen to 2,056, the ruling junta said Monday, with more than 3,900 people injured.

A statement from a junta spokesperson said that 270 more people were still missing.

India sent a search and rescue team, medical professionals and a military transport aircraft filled with blankets, hygiene kits, food packets and other essential items on Saturday.

New Delhi has since sent at least four more aircraft and four ships carrying relief material, a special military medical unit and members of its disaster response agency.

Myanmar earthquake death toll passes 1,700

United States also pledged $2 million in aid “through Myanmar-based humanitarian assistance organizations”.

It said in a statement that an emergency response team from USAID, which is
undergoing massive cuts under the Trump administration, is being sent to Myanmar.

South Korea said it would provide $2 million in initial humanitarian aid through international organisations to help Myanmar respond to the earthquake, AFP reported.

“The Korean government hopes that this support will help efforts to save lives in the affected areas, and will closely monitor the damage situation and consider additional support if necessary,” its foreign ministry said on Saturday.

Thailand, which was also hit by the quake, has sent 55 air force personnel including medics and search and rescue specialists as well as medical supplies to Myanmar.

The Star