The military-led regime has been weakened by a yearslong civil war. Now millions are counting on it to allow emergency aid.

MANDALAY: Myanmar's ruling junta declared a week of national mourning on Monday (March 31) for the country's devastating earthquake, which has killed more than 1,700 people, as hopes faded of finding more survivors in the rubble of ruined buildings.

A UN Special Rapporteur tells BBC it is "nothing short of incredible" that the military would "drop bombs when you are trying to rescue people".

Myanmar's junta continues air strikes despite a deadly earthquake, killing seven rebel fighters and facing global condemnation.

The impact of the Myanmar earthquake has been exacerbated by weak infrastructure due to long-standing conflict and neglect during the four years of military rule.

At least three hospitals in the country are out of service, according to the World Health Organisation, three days after a powerful earthquake hit the country.

While China, Russia and other nations have rushed emergency response teams to the devastated country, the U.S., once a leader in foreign aid, has been slow to act.

Aid is trickling into Myanmar, hampered by buckled roads and piles of debris. So far, 1,600 people are confirmed dead, and the toll is expected to rise.