MANDALAY, Myanmar (AP) — The recent earthquake that struck Myanmar has resulted in a staggering death toll exceeding 1,700, as authorities continue to recover more bodies from the debris. This tragic update was shared by the military-led government on Monday, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
According to government spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, an additional 3,400 individuals have sustained injuries, and more than 300 people remain unaccounted for. While the military government provided these figures, they did not elaborate on further details regarding the situations of those affected.
The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.7, struck at midday on Friday, causing extensive destruction across several areas, including the capital, Naypyitaw, and the second-largest city, Mandalay. The epicenter of the quake was located near Mandalay, where numerous buildings collapsed and critical infrastructure, such as the city’s airport, suffered significant damage.
The scale of the disaster has posed substantial challenges for relief efforts. Rescuers are facing difficulties due to damaged infrastructure, including buckled roads and downed bridges. Additionally, spotty communication systems have hindered coordination, further complicated by the ongoing civil conflict within the country.
Impacting neighboring Thailand, the earthquake also caused considerable upheaval, particularly in the capital city of Bangkok, where at least 18 fatalities have been reported. Many of these casualties occurred at a construction site where a partially constructed high-rise building collapsed during the tremors.
As rescuers continue their operations in Mandalay, the devastation left behind by the earthquake is evident. Videos and images have emerged depicting the efforts of teams from various countries, including China and Russia, who are working collaboratively to search through the rubble for survivors and recover those who did not make it out.
The international community is mobilizing support and resources in response to the disaster, as the scale of damage and the number of people affected continue to rise. The images from Mandalay underscore the ongoing crisis faced by the affected populations and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance as rescue teams race against time to locate survivors trapped beneath the debris.
The situation remains fluid as more information becomes available. The aftermath of this catastrophic event will undoubtedly require extensive efforts for recovery and rebuilding in the afflicted regions.
