Myanmar earthquake death toll tops 2,000

The confirmed death toll from Friday’s massive earthquake in Myanmar has continued to rise since the disaster, reaching at least 2,056 on Monday, according to the French news agency AFP citing the ruling military junta in the country.

In the second largest city of Mandalay, rescuers are rushing to find people still trapped under collapsed buildings as the crucial 72-hour mark passes. The chances for survival are said to drop sharply after that time.

The military’s spokesperson said 2,056 people were killed, 3,900 were injured in the quake, and 270 others remain unaccounted for.

A widespread damage was reported in Mandalay. One large condominium building was mostly destroyed. Local officials say a Japanese national who lived in the building is unaccounted for. Japan’s Foreign Ministry believes the person is likely to have been involved in the quake.

In areas that also suffered severe damage, such as the capital Naypiytaw and Sagaing in the country’s northwest, rescuers are said to be desperately searching for survivors trapped in collapsed buildings.

In Bangkok in neighboring Thailand, a high-rise building under construction collapsed. Local officials say at least 11 people were killed and more than 70 others remain missing.

Some families of the missing are expressing sorrow and despair as time passes. Others say they still have hope. Thai authorities stress there may be survivors and that they will continue to do their best to rescue them.