U.N. aid chief to visit Myanmar after devastating earthquake

U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher is set to visit Myanmar on Friday, following the country’s devastating earthquake. The U.N. is urging for urgent international assistance and unhindered aid access as the region grapples with the aftermath of the disaster.

United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher is set to arrive in earthquake-stricken Myanmar on Friday, as announced by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has called for increased international funding and swift, unhindered access for aid to the country.

Guterres also stated that his special envoy for Myanmar, Julie Bishop, will travel to the nation in the coming days to reinforce the U.N.'s commitment to peace and dialogue.

"The earthquake has compounded the suffering, with the monsoon season imminent," Guterres told reporters. "I urge everyone to work towards turning this tragic event into an opportunity for the people of Myanmar."

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest in Myanmar in a century, struck last Friday, affecting a region home to 28 million people. It destroyed buildings, including hospitals, flattened communities, and left many without food, water, or shelter.

The death toll had reached 3,085 by Thursday, with 4,715 people injured and 341 missing, according to the ruling junta.

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