The United States has pledged $2 million in humanitarian aid as the death toll from Myanmar’s devastating earthquake reached 1,700 on Sunday.
In a statement, the U.S. government announced that the aid would be provided “through Myanmar-based humanitarian assistance organizations.” It also confirmed that a USAID emergency response team, despite budget cuts under the Trump administration, is being deployed to assist relief efforts.
“The destruction has been extensive, and humanitarian needs are growing by the hour,” the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said. It warned that with rising temperatures and the monsoon season approaching, stabilizing affected communities is critical to preventing further crises.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest to hit Myanmar in a century, struck the conflict-ridden Southeast Asian nation on Friday. According to the military government, as of Sunday, the disaster had left 1,700 dead, 3,400 injured, and over 300 missing.
Meanwhile, a predictive model by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) suggests that fatalities could surpass 10,000, with economic losses potentially exceeding Myanmar’s annual output.
Myanmar’s junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, acknowledged the possibility of a rising death toll and the significant challenges facing his administration.
Neighboring countries, including India, China, and Thailand, have sent relief materials and rescue teams, along with assistance from Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia.
Despite these efforts, residents in the hardest-hit areas told Reuters that government assistance remains scarce, forcing survivors to rely on themselves for aid and shelter.
