Myanmar quake crisis: Death toll tops 1,000 as aid effort intensifies
The death toll from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday rose to 1,002 on Saturday, according to the ruling military junta, as reported by AFP. There are 2,376 injured individuals, and the death toll is likely to rise further.
What do you need to know?
- A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing extensive destruction throughout the country.
- The death toll has risen to 1,002, with 2,376 people injured. These numbers may change.
- A rescue operation is ongoing, and the first international rescue teams have already arrived in Myanmar.
According to information from the ruling military junta in Myanmar, the death toll from the earthquake has climbed to 1,002 people. There are 2,376 injured. Earlier data reported 694 victims, but it only covered Mandalay, the city closest to the epicenter. The current toll now includes victims from other towns such as Naypyidaw, Kyauk, and Se Sagaing.
There are 30 people reported missing. The statement suggested that the number of dead and injured may increase, noting that "detailed data is still being collected." Due to limited internet access and power outages, information coming out of Myanmar, especially from smaller towns, is severely restricted.
As a result of the tremors, many houses and other buildings, as well as bridges and places of worship, have collapsed, causing chaos in a country already embroiled in a bloody civil war for the past four years following the 2021 coup. The humanitarian crisis and destruction caused by armed conflict are complicating aid efforts for earthquake victims.
Tragedy in Myanmar: Bodies being dug out "with bare hands"
The junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, ordered a swift rescue operation. The first international rescue teams arrived in Myanmar on Saturday, including a 37-person team from China. Russia, India, Malaysia, and Singapore sent planes with humanitarian aid. South Korea pledged support amounting to $2 million.
Rescue workers in Mandalay, quoted by the BBC, said they are "digging people out with their bare hands" due to a lack of heavy equipment.
The tremors of magnitude 7.7 that struck Myanmar around 12:50 PM local time on Friday were also felt in neighboring Thailand. Hundreds of buildings, including skyscrapers in Bangkok, which is about 620 miles from the epicenter, were damaged. Rescue operations continued there on Saturday, aiming to free workers from the rubble of a 33-story skyscraper.
