Importance Score: 85 / 100 🟢
Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Surges, Rescue Efforts Intensify
The devastating Myanmar earthquake has claimed at least 1,644 lives and left over 3,400 individuals injured, according to a recent report from Myanmar Now, citing sources within the ruling military junta. The powerful seismic event has triggered widespread devastation across the region, prompting urgent rescue efforts and international aid.
Mounting Casualties and Widespread Damage
Reports indicate that numerous individuals remain feared trapped beneath the debris of collapsed structures throughout the South-Asian nation. The initial 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, swiftly followed by a significant 6.7-magnitude aftershock, along with a series of subsequent tremors.
The epicenter of the most intense quake was located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, home to approximately 1.6 million residents. The impact of the seismic activity extended beyond Myanmar’s borders, with tremors felt in neighboring Thailand, China, and Vietnam.
Concerns are escalating that the final death toll could tragically increase by several thousand due to densely populated areas being affected and the structural vulnerability of numerous buildings in the region.
Thousands of residents are reportedly seeking shelter outdoors, either due to damage to their residences or apprehension of further seismic activity.
Infrastructure Collapse and Disrupted Operations
Myanmar Now further reports that the earthquake caused the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport, situated in the capital, to collapse. Citing independent sources, the outlet indicated at least six fatalities at the airport. Consequently, airport operations have been suspended. Satellite imagery from Planet Labs PBC corroborated the collapse of the control tower.
Initial reports also suggest the collapse of a hospital in the eastern state of Shan, though detailed information remains scarce at this time.
International Aid and Rescue Challenges
International organizations, including the Red Cross, have conveyed reports of extensive damage and challenging conditions for rescue operations. They have also issued warnings regarding the potential risk of collapse for critical dams situated on the Irrawaddy River.
Information dissemination regarding the situation in Myanmar remains constrained due to the ongoing political instability and the military junta’s seizure of power in a 2021 coup. The volatile region has already witnessed the displacement of millions due to ongoing conflict.
A rescue team member, speaking to dpa, noted that internet connectivity is often disrupted by the military in numerous areas, further complicating communication and aid efforts.
Impact in Thailand: Deaths and Trapped Survivors
While Myanmar grapples with the primary impact, neighboring Thailand has also reported casualties. Authorities have confirmed three deaths in Thailand, although media reports suggest the recovery of 10 bodies. At least 101 individuals are reported missing in Bangkok alone.
Rescue personnel in the Thai capital have detected signs of life amidst the rubble of an unfinished high-rise building that tragically collapsed due to the powerful earthquake, Thai media outlets reported on Saturday.
Approximately 15 individuals are believed to be trapped beneath the debris, in groups ranging from three to seven, according to multiple media sources citing official information.
Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the national disaster relief organization, stated that rescue teams are endeavoring to provide water and sustenance to those trapped, as reported by radio station Thai PBS.
Some survivors are located several meters below the surface, posing significant extraction challenges.
“We estimate a 72-hour window to assist them, as that is the approximate duration a person can survive without essential supplies like water and food,” Rawiwan explained.
The precise number of individuals buried under the remains of the 30-story tower block, which was under construction at the time of its collapse on Friday, remains undetermined.
Family members are congregating outside the site, anxiously awaiting updates regarding their loved ones. However, police have requested the public to avoid gathering at the building to prevent obstruction of the heavy equipment utilized in rescue operations.
Thai officials have issued warnings regarding the potential for aftershocks.
The Thai Meteorological Department recorded further tremors in the aftermath of the major quake.
However, the department clarified that the majority of the 77 seismic tremors recorded were centered in Myanmar, exhibited significantly reduced intensity, and were often barely perceptible.
China: Damage and Relief Efforts
Reports of injuries and structural damage have also emerged from the Yunnan province in China.
China, a key ally of Myanmar, has dispatched a small disaster relief team equipped with specialized equipment across the border, according to state media reports.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has pledged further assistance and committed approximately $13.7 million in financial support.
Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed a message of condolence to Burmese military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.
International Assistance Arrives
International teams are progressively arriving in Myanmar to contribute to the escalating rescue efforts.
Russian state news agency TASS reported that Moscow has deployed two aircraft carrying 120 personnel and essential supplies.
An Indian Air Force aircraft also landed in Yangon, carrying 15 tons of aid, including tents, blankets, bedding, generators, and medical supplies, as announced by the Foreign Ministry in New Delhi via a post on X.
The Indian shipment included search and rescue contingents, as well as a medical team.
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry has also confirmed the country’s commitment to dispatching teams to bolster relief operations.
The European Commission announced on Friday the activation of the Copernicus satellite service to enhance the assessment of the earthquake’s widespread effects.