Imagine being trapped under debris, not knowing if help is on the way. That’s the dire situation for many people in Myanmar after a massive earthquake hit. The death toll has surged past 1,600.
Myanmar’s military leaders say over 3,400 people are injured, and 139 are missing. The earthquake, which measured 7.7 magnitude, struck the northwest part of the Sagaing region. It was followed by several aftershocks, including one that measured 6.7 magnitude.
The impact was felt across the region, including in Thailand, India, China, Cambodia, and Laos. In Myanmar, the city of Mandalay was one of the hardest hit. Over 1,500 buildings were damaged, and at least 90 people are believed to be trapped under the rubble of a collapsed apartment building.
In the town of Kyaukse, also in Mandalay, a school collapsed, killing at least 12 students and one teacher. There are reports that 50 students and six teachers are missing.
Rescue efforts are underway, but they’re being hindered by the country’s instability and lack of equipment. In some areas, rescue teams are having to dig through the rubble by hand.
The situation is made worse by power outages and disrupted phone services in Mandalay and Yangon. It could take days to restore power in Mandalay, and in Yangon, the power company says residents will only have electricity for four hours a day.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors. They’re working tirelessly to dig through the rubble, but it’s a challenging task.
- Many buildings have been damaged or destroyed, making it difficult to access trapped survivors.
- The lack of equipment is hindering rescue efforts, with many teams having to rely on manual labor.
- Power outages and disrupted phone services are making it hard for rescue teams to communicate and coordinate their efforts.
International Response
The international community is watching the situation closely, but so far, there’s been no official announcement of aid or support.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Myanmar need help, and they need it now. The clock is ticking for those trapped under the rubble, and every minute counts.
Source: BBC
