Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 1,600
In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Myanmar, the death toll has tragically risen to over 1,600. Rescue efforts are hampered by a lack of equipment and communication, leaving many families to search for their loved ones amidst the rubble. As the nation grapples with the destruction, international aid is beginning to arrive, but it has yet to reach the hardest-hit areas.
Rescue Operations Under Duress
The earthquake has caused widespread devastation, particularly in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly, but the challenges are immense. Many survivors remain trapped under collapsed buildings, including a 12-storey apartment block where the Red Cross estimates that over 90 people may still be buried. Amidst the chaos, there have been moments of hope, such as when rescuers successfully pulled a woman from the wreckage approximately 30 hours after the building collapsed.
However, the situation remains dire. In a nearby township, the bodies of 12 preschool children and a teacher were recovered from the debris of a kindergarten. Local residents have resorted to digging through the rubble with their bare hands, as they await assistance from rescue teams. The lack of proper equipment and communication has made the search for survivors increasingly difficult. One rescue worker lamented, “We are making do with the equipment we have,” highlighting the urgent need for more resources.
Infrastructure Damage Complicates Relief Efforts
The earthquake has severely damaged critical infrastructure, including highways and bridges, which has disrupted transport and hindered rescue operations. The UN humanitarian agency OCHA reported that cracks in the main highway connecting Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, and Mandalay have made it challenging for aid to reach those in need. Additionally, there are significant shortages of medical supplies, including trauma kits and essential medicines, further complicating the response to the disaster.
Reports indicate that Mandalay airport is currently non-operational due to damage sustained during the quake. The military junta has announced plans to set up temporary medical facilities and shelters at the airport, but the situation on the ground remains chaotic. Locals have expressed frustration over the lack of coordination in rescue efforts, with many feeling abandoned as they attempt to navigate the overwhelming circumstances.
Ongoing Conflict Amidst Humanitarian Crisis
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the earthquake, the military junta has continued its operations against ethnic armed groups, launching airstrikes in various regions, including areas affected by the quake. Reports indicate that seven people were killed in an airstrike in northern Shan state, just hours after the earthquake struck. Pro-democracy rebel groups have also reported bombings in central Sagaing, the earthquake’s epicenter.
The UN’s special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, has condemned the junta’s ongoing military actions, urging them to cease hostilities. “This is completely outrageous and unacceptable,” he stated, calling for an immediate halt to military operations. As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for a swift and effective response to the urgent needs of the affected population.
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