Inside Mandalay: BBC joins rescuers searching for earthquake dead in Myanmar

Myanmar Earthquake: Junta Reports Nearly 2,900 Fatalities, Access Remains Restricted

Following last week’s powerful earthquake in Myanmar, the military government has announced that the official death toll has reached almost 2,900 individuals. Search and rescue efforts continue in the devastated regions as concerns mount that the actual number of casualties may be considerably higher.

Mounting Fears of Escalating Casualties

Despite the junta’s reported figures, widespread apprehension persists that the true extent of the devastation and loss of life is significantly greater. Numerous individuals are still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings in cities severely impacted by the seismic event. The challenges of rescue operations and communication are exacerbating fears that the final death toll could tragically climb.

Restrictions on Foreign Media Access

Adding to concerns about transparency and the flow of information, the ruling military junta has declared a ban on the entry of foreign journalists into Myanmar. This media blackout is severely restricting independent reporting from the affected areas, making it exceptionally difficult to obtain a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the situation on the ground and hinders the ability to verify the junta’s claims.

BBC Journalist Gains Entry to Mandalay

In a rare exception, BBC correspondent Yogita Limaye has become the first international journalist to gain access to Myanmar since the catastrophic earthquake. She is currently reporting from the city of Mandalay, providing crucial firsthand accounts from within the disaster zone amidst the ongoing restrictions on media freedom.