The official death toll in Myanmar following Friday’s devastating earthquake could rise significantly in the coming days, the International Rescue Committee has warned. 

The powerful tremor measured a magnitude of 7.7 and at least 1,700 people are thought to have died. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Ciarán Donnelly of the International Rescue Committee the final death toll might never be known. 

“In an earthquake event like this, the early numbers are always an underestimate,” he said. 

“Fatalities will be understood much more over time. 

“Indeed, we will probably never know the full impact of it given the nature of infrastructure and communications in Myanmar.

“There are likely to be many people who are buried before their death rate will be properly registered.” 

Tánaiste @SimonHarrisTD has announced a contribution of €6 million from Ireland as an immediate response to yesterday's devastating earthquake in Myanmar.

Read more 👉https://t.co/LH7b0wBcNB pic.twitter.com/auhUHsBiy9

— Irish Aid (@Irish_Aid) March 29, 2025

Mr Donnelly said the situation “continues to develop on the ground” and that the International Rescue Committee’s staff encounter devastation wherever they go. 

“They’re telling us that they’re seeing towns that have over 80% of the buildings destroyed,” he said. 

“Hospitals without power, water and sanitation facilities have broken down. 

“So, even as rescue efforts continue and turn into recovery efforts in the coming days, we’re turning to the threat of second order impacts - things like disease outbreaks for cholera and things like that.” 

Mr Donnelly added that the “full impact” of the earthquake will not be understood for some time yet as remote areas have yet to be reached. 

You can listen back to the full interview here:

Main image: Rescuers work at the Sky Villa Condo in Mandalay, Myanmar. Picture by: AP Photo/Thein Zaw.