At least 1,600 people have lost their lives, and over 3,400 others have been injured following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, according to the country’s military leadership. Additionally, 139 people remain missing.
The powerful quake was felt across hundreds of kilometers, affecting neighboring countries such as Thailand and China. In Bangkok, Thailand, 17 people have died, while 83 others are still unaccounted for.
Rescue Operations in Bangkok Continue for the Third Day
Rescue efforts are ongoing in Bangkok, where collapsed buildings have left many trapped under the rubble. Heavy machinery has been deployed to clear the debris, and search dogs and scanners have detected signs of life.
Early this morning, one survivor was located beneath the rubble, confirmed using advanced scanning technology and sniffer dogs. Robots have also been deployed to explore possible entry points for rescuers.
Thai officials reported on Saturday that at least 15 people were detected alive under the debris, but as the day progressed, some stopped responding. By the evening, authorities confirmed that 30 individuals had been located, though their conditions remained unknown.
Rescue operations will continue until all missing workers are found. As of last night, 83 people were still missing across Bangkok, most of whom were construction workers at the affected sites.
Thailand and India Send Emergency Aid to Myanmar
Following a rare appeal for international aid by Myanmar’s military leadership, both Thailand and India have dispatched emergency response teams.
On Sunday morning, 49 Thai military personnel were deployed to major airports in Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Yangon to assist with search-and-rescue operations and deliver humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and financial support.
India has also sent a 118-member medical team from Agra to Mandalay to establish a 60-bed field hospital and provide emergency medical assistance to survivors.
Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has declared a state of emergency and issued an open invitation to international organizations and nations willing to assist. This marks a significant shift for Myanmar, which has remained isolated since a military coup four years ago.
Satellite Images Reveal Massive Destruction in Myanmar
On Saturday, new satellite images revealed the extent of the destruction caused by the earthquake.
Several centuries-old Buddhist temples have either collapsed or suffered severe damage.
Among the notable landmarks affected:
- Ava Bridge, near Mandalay, which collapsed into the Irrawaddy River. Originally built by the British, it was reconstructed in 1954 after Myanmar’s independence.
- Ma Shi Kha Na Pagoda in Sagaing, a Buddhist temple dating back to 1364-1365, was also destroyed.
- Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay, one of Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist sites, sustained structural damage.
Medical Supplies Shortage Hampers Relief Efforts
More than 40 hours after the earthquake, the United Nations has raised concerns about severe shortages of medical supplies, which are hindering rescue efforts in the war-torn country.
The earthquake has also damaged key infrastructure, including roads and communication networks, making relief efforts even more challenging.
According to UN humanitarian coordinator Marco Luigi Corsi, approximately 20 million people have been affected.
“As of now, a vast area has been impacted, and estimates suggest nearly 20 million residents live within the affected region,” he stated in a UN press briefing. “The number of casualties is expected to rise further.”
The ongoing civil conflict between the military, resistance groups, and armed forces has further complicated efforts to deliver aid.
UK Pledges £10 Million in Humanitarian Aid for Myanmar
The United Kingdom has announced a £10 million ($12.9 million) humanitarian aid package for Myanmar.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office stated that the funds will be directed toward food, clean water, medical aid, and emergency shelter in the worst-hit areas.