China leads relief for quake-hit Myanmar. But will civil war stymie aid efforts?

However, it is widely believed the final toll will be much higher because of poor communications networks and the fragmentation of the country that has resulted from years of civil war. Many roads and bridges have also collapsed, making it hard for equipment and rescuers to arrive. Many people have reportedly had to dig through the rubble with their hands.

A projection by the United States Geological Survey said there was a 24 per cent chance that total fatalities would be between 1,000 and 10,000, a 35 per cent possibility of 10,000 to 100,000 fatalities, and a 32 per cent chance that the death toll would exceed 100,000. The country was ill-prepared for a quake of such magnitude, and the head of the junta government made a rare plea to the international community for help. Many countries have offered help, especially Myanmar’s neighbours.



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