The military junta is calling for foreign aid but agencies and rescuers must navigate crumbling roads, an overwhelmed health system and ongoing fighting

Summary

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, killing over 1,600 and injuring more than 3,400.

Volunteers, lacking proper equipment, dug with bare hands to rescue survivors, including 12 children from a collapsed nursery, while 16 others died.

Hospitals are overwhelmed, and infrastructure damage hampers aid delivery.

The military junta, facing criticism for poor response, appealed for foreign aid amid ongoing conflict.