A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, resulting in at least 1,644 fatalities, over 3,408 injuries, and 139 individuals reported missing. citeturn0news12 The quake's epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, causing widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted power and communication lines.
The disaster also impacted neighboring Thailand, where authorities reported 10 deaths and 78 individuals missing in the Bangkok area. citeturn0news13 The earthquake's tremors were felt across the region, affecting countries such as Vietnam, Laos, and southwestern China.
In response to the catastrophe, international aid has been mobilized. China dispatched two rescue teams along with humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and relief materials. India provided 15 tons of relief materials, encompassing tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, hygiene kits, medicines, and medical equipment. Russia sent two aircraft with 120 specialists, including anesthesiologists, psychologists, K9 search units, and rescue personnel. citeturn0search0 Additionally, the United Nations allocated an emergency $5 million fund to support Myanmar's earthquake relief efforts.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with local residents and volunteer workers searching for survivors amid the rubble. However, efforts are hampered by limited access to heavy machinery and the challenging conditions resulting from the country's internal conflicts. Public hospitals in affected regions have called for urgent blood donations to treat the influx of injured patients.
The Myanmar junta has declared a state of emergency across the hardest-hit areas, including the Sagaing and Mandalay regions, and has made a rare appeal for international assistance to address the humanitarian crisis.
As the situation unfolds, authorities fear the death toll may continue to rise as rescue teams reach more affected areas and recover additional victims from the debris.