Myanmar’s earthquake death toll jumps to more than 1000 as more bodies recovered from the rubble

Myanmar’s military-led government says more than 1000 have now been reported dead from a devastating earthquake that struck near the country’s second-largest city.

According to the latest figures, 1002 people have been found dead since the Friday earthquake that hit Mandalay, the military government said in a statement.

Another 2376 have been reported injured and 30 more are missing, it said.

The statement suggested the numbers could still rise, saying “detailed figures are still being collected.”

The earthquake struck midday on Friday with an epicenter not far from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second biggest city, sending buildings in many areas toppling to the ground and causing other widespread damage.

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

It makes movement around the country both difficult and dangerous, complicating relief efforts.

The head of Myanmar’s military government, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, said in a rare television broadcast on Friday that the death toll was expected to rise as he reported an initial 144 people found dead.

The earthquake also shook neighboring Thailand, killing six people and injuring 26 at three construction sites, including one where a partially built high-rise collapsed.

Another 47 people were still missing, authorities said Saturday.