Extreme heat and heavy rain in Myanmar could cause disease outbreaks among earthquake survivors camping in the open, global aid bodies warned on Thursday.

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake rattled much of Southeast Asia on Friday, flattening skyscrapers and leaving more than 1,000 people dead from Myanmar to Thailand.

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit at midday Friday, causing widespread damage, including in the capital Naypitaw and the second largest city, Mandalay.

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is in the throes of a prolonged and bloody civil war, which is already responsible for a massive humanitarian crisis.

A further 4,850 people are injured and 220 missing - while rescuers have saved 653 survivors trapped under the debris, according to Myanmar state-run media.

The powerful earthquake, which hit Myanmar on March 28, resulted in not only a tragic loss of life but also extensive damage to infrastructure and homes across the country. As official reports state,

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake wreaked havoc on Thailand and Myanmar on March 28, 2025. Get updates on the damages from the disaster.

The surprise announcement by the unelected government said the halt in fighting would run until April 22 to show compassion for people affected by last week's quake.