Myanmar has declared a week of national mourning following a devastating earthquake that has claimed more than 2,000 lives. With hopes fading for survivors trapped under the rubble, rescue operations are slowing down in the worst-affected areas.

The ruling junta announced on Monday that national flags would be flown at half-mast until April 6 "in sympathy for the loss of life and damages" caused by Friday's massive 7.7-magnitude quake.

Rescue Efforts Wane in Hard-Hit Mandalay

Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of 1.7 million, has been among the most severely affected areas. Rescue efforts have lost momentum as the sheer scale of destruction overwhelms emergency services.

"The situation is so dire that it’s hard to put into words," said Aung Myint Hussein, chief administrator of Mandalay’s Sajja North Mosque.

Thousands of people remain camped out on the streets, afraid to return to damaged homes due to ongoing aftershocks. Many have little more than blankets to sleep on, with children among those enduring the harsh conditions.

Rising Death Toll and Foreign Casualties

As of Monday, the junta confirmed 2,056 deaths, with more than 3,900 injured and 270 people still missing. Foreign casualties include three Chinese nationals, as reported by China's state media, and two French citizens, according to the French Foreign Ministry.

The impact of the quake extended far beyond Myanmar, with at least 19 fatalities confirmed in Bangkok, Thailand, where a 30-story building under construction collapsed.

Hospitals Overwhelmed, Patients Treated Outdoors

Mandalay's 1,000-bed general hospital was evacuated following the quake, forcing hundreds of patients to receive treatment outdoors. Medical staff have set up makeshift facilities in the hospital's parking lot, with patients lying on gurneys under thin tarpaulins to shield them from the sweltering tropical heat.

"These are extremely difficult conditions for both patients and medical staff," said a doctor who wished to remain anonymous. "We are doing our best with the limited resources we have."

The intense heat has also accelerated the decomposition of bodies, complicating identification efforts.

Humanitarian Crisis Amid Civil War

Even before the earthquake, Myanmar was grappling with a humanitarian crisis. The country has been in turmoil since a military coup in 2021, leading to ongoing civil conflict that has displaced around 3.5 million people and severely damaged infrastructure.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the earthquake a top-level emergency and is seeking $8 million for urgent medical and relief efforts. Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched a $100 million appeal to assist victims.

Despite historically rejecting foreign aid, Myanmar’s ruling generals have made a rare appeal for international assistance. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun expressed gratitude to key allies, including China, Russia, and India, for their support.

Conflict Continues Despite Disaster

Reports indicate that Myanmar’s military has continued airstrikes against opposition groups, even in the wake of the disaster. On Sunday, an ethnic minority armed group told AFP that seven of its fighters were killed in an aerial attack shortly after the quake, with further airstrikes reported on Monday.

In Bangkok, rescue workers continue to clear debris from the collapsed high-rise, with officials maintaining hope of finding survivors. So far, 12 deaths have been confirmed, while at least 75 people remain unaccounted for.

As Myanmar grapples with the devastation, the full extent of the disaster remains unclear, with communications still down in many affected areas. The death toll is expected to rise as more information emerges.