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Myanmar Earthquake: Junta Claims Thousands Dead, Experts Fear Higher Toll
The Myanmar military government has announced that at least 2,000 individuals perished in the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the nation last Friday. Initial reports indicate widespread devastation, and concerns are mounting about the true scale of casualties.
Potential for Significantly Higher Death Toll
However, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has cautioned that the actual number of fatalities could be far greater. “A death toll exceeding 10,000 is a strong possibility,” the USGS stated, highlighting the potential for a much larger tragedy than currently acknowledged by the ruling junta. This discrepancy raises concerns about the accuracy of official reports emanating from the isolated nation.
Information Blockade and Restricted Access
The Burmese military, which has a history of minimizing civilian casualties following previous major natural disasters, is reportedly preventing international journalists from entering the country. This media blackout is hindering independent verification of the situation on the ground and fueling speculation that the true extent of the earthquake’s impact is being concealed. The restriction on access limits the flow of information and raises questions about transparency.
BBC Verify Assessing Impact from Thailand
From neighboring Thailand, the BBC Verify team, led by Nick Beake, is working to develop a clearer understanding of the earthquake’s consequences in the most severely affected regions currently known. Despite the challenges posed by the information constraints, efforts are underway to piece together a comprehensive picture of the disaster and its aftermath. The remote assessment underscores the difficulties in obtaining real-time information from within Myanmar following the earthquake.