A significant 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and surrounding areas on Friday, leading to a rising death toll and a desperate search for survivors. Rescue operations are hampered by ongoing aftershocks and difficult conditions, while international teams join the efforts as the region braces for potential monsoons.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts Amid Devastating Myanmar Earthquake
Ongoing Rescue Efforts Amid Devastating Myanmar Earthquake
Rescue teams continue their life-saving efforts following a powerful earthquake in Myanmar that has claimed thousands of lives and left numerous buildings in ruins.
Four more individuals were rescued from the rubble in Myanmar nearly 60 hours after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the country on Friday, resulting in at least 1,700 fatalities. The latest rescues occurred at a school building collapse in the Sagaing region, alongside the grim discovery of a body, as reported by Myanmar's fire service. Hundreds remain unaccounted for, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations in both Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. In Bangkok, the death toll has reached 18 due to a building collapse, with 76 workers still missing from the scene.
The earthquake, which hit around 12:50 PM local time near Mandalay, also led to subsequent tremors, as a second earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 struck shortly after. These earthquakes were felt strongly due to their shallow depth, and aftershocks continue to rattle the area, including a magnitude-5.1 tremor recorded recently.
A remarkable rescue on Saturday saw an elderly woman saved after being trapped for 36 hours under debris from a hospital, while twenty-nine individuals were pulled from an apartment block collapse in Mandalay on Sunday. Currently, international relief efforts are underway, with multiple countries sending rescue teams and emergency supplies to aid in the response.
In Thailand, the Deputy Prime Minister reported that rescuers detected weak signs of life under the rubble of a collapsed tower. Investigations revealed concerning issues with the steel used in the tower’s construction, while families anxiously await news of their missing loved ones.
Rescue teams from countries including China, India, Malaysia, and the Philippines, among others, have mobilized to assist Myanmar, where the military junta's ongoing airstrikes have compounded the disaster. The UN condemned these attacks as "outrageous," taking place amid the country's civil conflict.
As the region approaches monsoon season, aid organizations warn of the compounded challenges that could lead to further displacement and damage. The National Unity Government, representing the ousted civilian leadership, announced a temporary halt to offensive military operations in earthquake-affected areas, although defensive actions will continue. As disaster efforts unfold, the people of Myanmar remain in dire need of support and assistance.
