BANGKOK, March 30 – Emergency aid and rescue efforts gained momentum on Sunday as neighboring countries deployed warships and aircraft loaded with relief supplies to Myanmar. The country is grappling with the aftermath of a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck on Friday, leaving at least 1,600 dead and more than 3,400 injured, according to Myanmar’s military government.
The disaster, one of the most devastating earthquakes in Myanmar’s history, caused widespread destruction, leveling buildings, cutting off essential services, and severely damaging infrastructure. The situation remains dire as rescue operations face major hurdles, including blocked roads, collapsed bridges, and overwhelmed hospitals.
Authorities Call for Urgent Medical Response
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military leader, called on both civilian and military medical personnel to coordinate efforts to address the crisis. He urged all healthcare workers and facilities to work together to provide emergency assistance to the injured.
Meanwhile, seismic experts estimate the true toll of the disaster could be much higher. Predictive models suggest fatalities could surpass 10,000, while economic losses might exceed Myanmar’s annual GDP. The destruction is not limited to Myanmar alone, as tremors from the quake reached parts of Thailand, toppling an under-construction skyscraper in Bangkok. Thai officials confirmed at least 17 casualties in the incident, with dozens still trapped beneath the rubble.
Humanitarian Efforts Face Major Challenges
Myanmar’s ability to respond effectively to the catastrophe has been hampered by the ongoing civil conflict that has plagued the country since the military takeover in 2021. The coup, which ousted the democratically elected government, ignited armed resistance across the nation, further weakening its economy and basic services. Over 3.5 million people have already been displaced due to the conflict, and the earthquake has added to the humanitarian crisis.
In light of the disaster, Myanmar’s opposition forces announced a temporary ceasefire. The National Unity Government, which opposes the junta, stated that its allied armed groups would suspend offensive military operations for two weeks to focus on relief efforts. The group pledged to collaborate with humanitarian organizations and local communities to provide aid to affected regions.
Despite these efforts, many areas hardest hit by the quake remain without assistance. Residents in Sagaing, one of the worst-affected towns near the epicenter, described scenes of complete devastation. One survivor, Han Zin, reported that numerous buildings had collapsed and that the town had been without electricity and clean water since the earthquake struck.
“We have received no aid, and there are no rescue workers in sight,” he said, adding that families were digging through debris with their bare hands in search of missing loved ones.
Rescue Operations Struggle to Reach Survivors
Across the Irrawaddy River in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, rescue efforts have been primarily carried out by local volunteers. One rescue worker said that most operations were being led by small, self-organized groups that lacked proper equipment.
“We are trying our best to pull people from the rubble, but some buildings are too unstable to approach,” he explained, noting that without heavy machinery, reaching those trapped beneath collapsed structures was nearly impossible.
Hospitals in Mandalay and surrounding areas are struggling to cope with the rising number of injured patients. The sudden influx has overwhelmed medical facilities, many of which were already operating with limited resources due to years of political instability and economic hardship.
International Support Arrives
Countries in the region have stepped up to assist Myanmar in its time of need. India, China, and Thailand were among the first to send aid, dispatching rescue teams and essential supplies. India’s military deployed aircraft carrying medical equipment and search-and-rescue teams, while the navy sent two ships carrying humanitarian aid to Yangon, the country’s largest city.
China has also mobilized emergency personnel, with a rescue team crossing into Myanmar from Yunnan province to assist in relief efforts. Meanwhile, a specialized 78-member rescue squad from Singapore, accompanied by trained search dogs, arrived in Mandalay on Sunday to help locate survivors.
The Indian government announced plans to establish a field hospital in Mandalay to provide urgent medical care to those affected. In addition, Malaysia and Russia have also pledged assistance, with medical teams and emergency supplies en route to Myanmar.
Myanmar Faces a Long Road to Recovery
The aftermath of the earthquake has left thousands homeless, and with rescue operations still ongoing, the full scale of the devastation is yet to be determined. Many roads remain impassable, hampering efforts to deliver aid to remote areas. The United Nations has warned that prolonged delays in relief operations could lead to a worsening humanitarian crisis, particularly in regions where access to food, water, and medical supplies is already limited.
As the country struggles to recover, the need for international support and coordinated relief efforts remains critical. For now, rescuers continue to work tirelessly, hoping to save as many lives as possible in the wake of one of Myanmar’s worst natural disasters in decades.