Myanmar Earthquake: Over 1,600 Dead as Survivors Dig Through Rubble

[geovalin]

 

Aungban Philanthropic Group

 

MANDALAY, Myanmar – The devastating aftermath of Myanmar’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake has left a grim scene in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, as rescuers scramble to find survivors buried beneath collapsed buildings. The death toll has surpassed 1,600, with many more feared trapped under the rubble.

 

The quake struck on Friday, reducing homes, businesses, and infrastructure to ruins. The city’s airport was badly damaged, and roads have buckled, severely hampering relief efforts. With communication networks down in many areas, the full extent of the disaster remains unclear.

 

Survivors, armed with nothing more than shovels and their bare hands, have been digging through the debris in extreme heat, desperately searching for family and friends. The situation is dire, with hospitals overwhelmed, supplies running low, and clean water scarce.

 

Sunday’s 5.1 magnitude aftershock sent fresh waves of panic through the streets, but the rescue efforts pressed on. Many Mandalay residents, left homeless or fearful of further building collapses, spent the night outdoors.

 

Foreign aid has begun to trickle in, with teams from India, China, Russia, and neighbouring Thailand joining rescue operations. However, the ongoing civil war in Myanmar complicates efforts, with military-controlled regions restricting access to humanitarian aid.

 

As time passes, the likelihood of finding survivors diminishes. Aid workers warn that without immediate intervention, the crisis could deepen, with food shortages and disease outbreaks looming.

 

The disaster has also impacted Thailand, where at least 18 people have died, including 11 in a high-rise collapse in Bangkok.

 

Calls for a ceasefire in Myanmar’s conflict zones are growing as the international community urges the military to prioritise relief efforts. However, with tensions still high, it remains uncertain whether humanitarian aid will reach those who need it most in time.

 

-2025-03-31

[novacova]

Horrible situation.