Urgent Rescue Efforts Continue After Myanmar Earthquake
Rescue operations are intensifying in Myanmar following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay on Friday, resulting in at least 1,700 fatalities. As search teams work tirelessly, four additional survivors were pulled from the rubble of a collapsed school building in the Sagaing region. Meanwhile, hundreds remain unaccounted for, and the situation is dire in both Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, where a construction site collapse has claimed 18 lives.
Rescue Operations Underway
Nearly 60 hours after the earthquake, rescuers have successfully extracted four individuals from the debris of a school in northern Sagaing. Tragically, a body was also recovered from the site. The Myanmar fire service reported that search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with hundreds of people still missing. In Thailand, the situation is equally grim, as 76 workers are unaccounted for following the collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok. The death toll there has risen to 18, highlighting the widespread impact of the earthquake across the region.
The earthquake struck at approximately 12:50 local time on Friday, just 10 kilometers below the surface, causing significant ground shaking. A secondary tremor of 6.4 magnitude followed shortly after, exacerbating the destruction. Aftershocks have persisted, with a magnitude-5.1 tremor recorded on Sunday, further complicating rescue efforts.
International Aid and Support
As the scale of the disaster becomes clearer, international rescue teams are mobilizing to assist Myanmar. Countries such as China, India, and Malaysia have dispatched teams and supplies to support local efforts. An 82-person rescue team from China and a 51-member group from Hong Kong have already arrived, while India has sent an aid flight with emergency resources. The UK has pledged £10 million in aid to assist those in need.
Despite these efforts, many areas remain difficult to access, delaying the arrival of crucial aid. Locals have resorted to digging through rubble by hand in their desperate attempts to find survivors. In Nay Pyi Taw, an elderly woman was rescued after being trapped for 36 hours under the debris of a hospital, showcasing the resilience and determination of both rescuers and the affected communities.
Ongoing Challenges Amidst the Crisis
The situation in Myanmar is further complicated by ongoing military actions in the region. The ruling military junta has continued its bombing campaigns in areas affected by the earthquake, prompting international condemnation. The UN has labeled these attacks as “completely outrageous and unacceptable.” In response, the National Unity Government, representing the ousted civilian administration, announced a temporary halt to offensive military operations in earthquake-affected areas. As the monsoon season approaches, concerns mount over potential further displacement and humanitarian crises. Last year’s severe flooding caused significant damage to homes and sanitation facilities, raising alarms about the upcoming rainy season. Experts warn that the combination of ongoing conflict and natural disasters could exacerbate the already dire situation for many in Myanmar. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that rescue efforts will yield more survivors in the coming days.
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