Rescue teams in Myanmar pulled out four more survivors from under the rubble of a school in the Sagaing region, over 60 hours after a devastating earthquake hit. Unfortunately, they also found one dead body.
The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.7, struck on Friday, March 28, at around 12:50 pm. Its epicenter was near Mandalay, and it sent shockwaves throughout Myanmar and neighboring countries, including Thailand, India, and China.
As rescue operations continue at the school and at the “Sky Villa Complex” in Mandalay, where three out of four buildings collapsed, hopes of finding more survivors are fading. So far, 29 people have been rescued, and nine dead bodies have been recovered. However, it’s estimated that over 90 people might still be trapped.
On Sunday, Myanmar’s military leader told Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that the death toll from the earthquake had risen to at least 1,700, with over 3,400 injured and around 300 missing. The numbers are expected to increase.
Despite the humanitarian crisis, Myanmar’s military has continued to launch air attacks on opposition strongholds, drawing criticism from the international community, including the United Nations. Singapore’s foreign minister has called for an immediate ceasefire to allow aid to reach those affected by the earthquake.
Sources: bbc