Heavy rains have lashed parts of earthquake-hit Myanmar, complicating relief efforts and raising the risk of disease as the death toll from the powerful quakes that struck the country on March 28 rose to at least 3,471, Al Jazeera reported.

Rains and winds soaked survivors and their belongings in tent camps in Mandalay, near the epicentre of the earthquake, according to aid workers. More rain was expected later in the day, as temperatures rose to 37 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit).

Aid groups have warned that the combination of unseasonably heavy rainfall and high heat could lead to disease epidemics, including cholera, among earthquake survivors who are camping out in the open.

The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck a large portion of Myanmar, home to 50 million people, causing considerable damage in six provinces and states, including the capital, Naypyidaw, according to Al Jazeera.

State media in the military-led country now say the earthquake has caused 3,471 deaths and injured 4,671 people, while 214 remain missing.