Yangon, Myanmar — On Friday afternoon, a massive earthquake measuring 7.7 struck Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least 1,644 lives, according to reports from the military council. The tremors were felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand, where damage occurred but no casualties have been reported.
The earthquake is the most powerful to hit Myanmar in over a century, and the United States Geological Survey confirmed that it left thousands injured and widespread devastation in its wake. Rescue efforts are currently underway in cities like Mandalay and Naypyitaw, which were severely impacted, with thousands still unaccounted for.
As of Saturday, the military government reported 3,408 injured and 139 missing. The Red Cross indicated that multiple cities in central Myanmar suffered damage, with many buildings collapsing, roads fracturing, and bridges giving way. Satellite images from Maxar Technologies depicted the extensive damage before and after the earthquake.
“All over the country, homes, schools, pagodas, and major structures have collapsed,” said a representative from the irreplaceable National Unity Government, an opposition group. They have announced a temporary ceasefire to allow for rescue operations while also requesting international aid.
With communications down in some areas, the extent of the devastation remains under assessment, but preliminary reports estimate that over 2,400 buildings have been damaged, including 1,690 houses and 60 schools. The United Nations has deployed mobile surgical teams and field hospitals to assist earthquake victims.
In an unexpected turn, the military has claimed they are ready to accept foreign aid, with China and Russia already sending rescue personnel and supplies. China has reported sending over 135 rescue teams and $13.8 million in emergency assistance to the stricken areas.
Despite the ongoing civil war in the country, aid is crucial as nearly 20 million people are already in need due to previous conflicts. In the aftermath of the earthquake, Myanmar’s National Unity Government has pledged to collaborate with international organizations to ensure effective aid delivery, provided safety guarantees are in place for their forces.
The tragedy has struck at a time when many residents are already displaced due to internal violence. “We have many people who need help already layered on top of this disaster,” said a UN spokesperson.
Rescue efforts continue amidst fears that the death toll could grow as recovery teams work through the ruins. Many families await news of missing loved ones, and hope is dwindling as heavy machinery is brought in to clear the rubble.
Reports indicate that in Bangkok, the earthquake’s effects were felt in tall buildings, with 17 fatalities recorded, stemming from a collapsed structure near the Chatuchak market. Rescue efforts here are also hampered by damage to infrastructure, making relief efforts more complicated.
Brian Baptie, a seismologist from the British Geological Survey noted, “When you have a large earthquake in an area where there are over a million people, many living in vulnerable buildings, the consequences can often be disastrous.”
The focus now turns to how effectively humanitarian aid can be delivered in a country still coping with political unrest, and the timely response from the international community will be crucial in the coming days.
