Myanmar junta blocks quake coverage as death toll jumps to 1,700

The military junta has barred international journalists from accessing areas devastated by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, creating an information blackout.

“It is not possible for [foreign journalists] to come, stay, find shelter, or move around here. We want everyone to understand this,” said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, the regime’s spokesperson, in an audio statement issued on Sunday, citing a lack of essential services such as water, electricity, and accommodation.