A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread damage and leaving more than 1,600 dead. According to BBC Burmese, the death toll continues to rise, while nine deaths have been recorded in Thailand. In Mandalay, residents are desperately digging by hand to rescue those trapped in collapsed buildings due to a lack of rescue equipment.
Due to the severe damage, airports in Naypyitaw and Mandalay were temporarily closed, while the control tower in Naypyitaw collapsed. According to the National Unity Government (NUG), more than 2,900 buildings, 30 roads, and 7 bridges were destroyed. In Bangkok, rescue operations continue at a collapsed 33-story building, with 47 people missing, including several workers from Myanmar.
A number of countries have sent aid, including China ($13.77 million), India (40 tons of relief goods), the U.S., Russia, Malaysia, and Singapore. A Chinese rescue team has also arrived in Yangon and will head to affected areas to assist in search and rescue efforts. Meanwhile, hospitals in central and northwestern Myanmar are struggling to cope with the number of injured, especially since many roads are impassable.
In Mandalay, many residents are hoping for help, but according to one survivor, “There is not enough rescue equipment or vehicles, so we are doing it manually.” In Bangkok, search-and-rescue dogs, drones, and excavators are being used to search for survivors in collapsed buildings. A woman searching for her family said, “I kept calling my brother, but no one answered.”
In Thailand, an estimated 5,000 buildings may have been damaged, according to the Council of Engineers Thailand. Engineers are continuing to inspect other buildings to ensure the safety of residents. While rescue and relief efforts continue, additional assistance and equipment are still needed to address the extent of the damage in Myanmar and neighboring countries.
