The death toll in the earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 1,644

The death toll in the devastating earthquake that hit Myanmar on Friday rose to 1,644, France Press news agency reported today, citing data from the country’s ruling military junta.

According to initial estimates by the Myanmar opposition government of national unity (NUG), at least 2,900 buildings, 30 roads and seven bridges were damaged in the 7.7 magnitude earthquake.

« Due to significant damage, the airports in the most Satar and Mandaley are temporarily closed, » said NUG, a group of members of the democratically elected government that was ousted by the army in 2021, which began a civil war.

The control tower at the Airport in the most Sapiti, the planned capital of Myanmar, crashed, « a source told Reuters.

The US Geological Institute predicts that the death toll in Myanmar could exceed ten thousand, while economic damage could be higher than the country’s annual GDP.

The top general of the military junta has made a rare appeal for international aid on Friday, and many countries have already moved to help the affected country from Southeast Asia.

Russia, India, Malaysia and Singapore are sending humanitarian aid and rescue aircraft, and South Korea has announced it will provide initial $ 2 million humanitarian aid to Myanmar through international organizations.

The bloc of Southeast Asan countries, ASEAN, announced on Saturday that it recognized the urgent need for humanitarian aid to Myanmar after a major earthquake and is ready to support recovery efforts.

The United States, which has tense relations with the Myanmar military and sanctioned their officials, including military junta leader Min Aung Hlaining, have announced they will provide some help.

Chinese rescue teams also arrived at the Shangon country mall. Chinese President Xi Jinping has spoken with the leader of the junta – the Chinese Embassy said.

Jinping has announced 13.77m euros in aid, which will include tents, blankets and first aid kits.

India’s first aid arrived in Myanmar, DPA reports. Includes 15 tonnes of inventory, which includes generators and search teams in addition to basic needs.