Devastation in Myanmar: Earthquake's Toll May Reach 10,000 Amid Ongoing Crisis
Three days after the magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar, the true extent of the tragedy remains unknown. With at least 1,700 confirmed deaths, projections from the United States Geological Survey suggest the toll could soar to 10,000. Rescue efforts are hampered by difficult access to affected areas and the ongoing civil strife between the military junta and rebel forces, complicating an already dire situation in the country.
Improvised rescue operations led by residents and the families of the missing have become the norm, as official teams in Naypyidaw, the capital, focus primarily on government building collapses. Meanwhile, courageous citizens search through rubble with their bare hands under sweltering temperatures that can surpass 40 degrees Celsius.
In response to the disaster, NGOs and various local and international organizations present in Myanmar have mobilized teams to assist with the rescue operations. Over the weekend, additional support arrived from neighboring countries including Thailand, China, and India, as well as from Russia and the United Nations, responding to urgent requests for aid through the World Health Organization.
Reports from the Chinese state news agency Xinhua indicate that a team of Chinese rescuers successfully freed an elderly man trapped for nearly 40 hours under the wreckage of a hospital in Naypyidaw. These stories illustrate the urgency of the situation, revealing that many others may still be buried beneath the debris.
A striking photograph released by the Russian Emergency Ministry shows rescuers from Russia and China working together in Mandalay, a testament to the collaborative efforts underway. This cooperation is particularly noteworthy given Myanmar's isolation following the military coup in 2021, which prompted global criticism and sanctions. The junta's rapid request for foreign aid following the earthquake marks a significant deviation from its historical approach to international relations.
As the situation develops, the initial death toll is expected to rise significantly, leading to dire assessments regarding the economic repercussions of the earthquake. The potential losses might exceed Myanmar's entire gross domestic product, further complicating recovery efforts in a nation already grappling with severe socio-political challenges.
The catastrophe underscores the urgent need for comprehensive humanitarian response measures and international solidarity as Myanmar faces one of its worst crises in decades.
Related Sources: