Over 2,000 Dead as Myanmar Mourns Victims of Devastating Earthquake

Myanmar Holds Moment of Silence for Earthquake Victims

Myanmar observed a one-minute silence to honor the victims of last week’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake, which has claimed over 2,000 lives.

The earthquake, which struck on Friday, was also felt in neighboring Thailand, where the death toll has reached 20. Rescue operations continue in both countries, but hopes of finding survivors are fading as the critical 72-hour window for rescue passes.

The United Nations has warned that the earthquake has worsened the already dire situation in Myanmar, which is in the midst of a four-year civil war. Despite the devastation, reports indicate that Myanmar’s military leaders are continuing airstrikes against pro-democracy rebel groups.

New images and video  of destruction have surfaced from Mandalay, Myanmar’s former capital, located near the earthquake’s epicenter.