BANGKOK, March 29 – Myanmar is reeling from a devastating earthquake that has left over 1,000 people dead, with rescue efforts intensifying as foreign aid teams arrive to assist. The disaster, which struck on Friday, has caused widespread destruction, leveling infrastructure and worsening the challenges faced by a country already struggling due to ongoing conflict.
The ruling military government confirmed on Saturday that the death toll had climbed to 1,002, a sharp increase from earlier reports that had placed the figure at 144. The quake, registering a magnitude of 7.7, also caused fatalities in neighboring Thailand, where at least nine people lost their lives. In Bangkok, a high-rise building under construction collapsed, leaving 30 trapped beneath the debris and nearly 50 missing.
According to seismic experts, the final death toll in Myanmar could be significantly higher, with projections suggesting that fatalities might exceed 10,000. The economic impact is also expected to be devastating, with potential losses surpassing Myanmar’s annual economic output.
Widespread Damage and Pleas for Assistance
The powerful tremor has left a trail of destruction, damaging roads, bridges, and buildings. The country’s ruling generals, who rarely request international assistance, made an appeal for help as the scale of the disaster became evident.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams sifting through rubble to locate survivors. A Chinese search-and-rescue team has landed in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, to assist in the relief efforts. The hardest-hit areas include Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, and the capital Naypyitaw, where even parts of a major 1,000-bed hospital sustained significant damage.
A Race Against Time
The humanitarian response has started gaining momentum, with several countries rushing to provide aid. Russia, India, Malaysia, and Singapore have already dispatched aircraft loaded with relief supplies and personnel.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized his country’s commitment to assisting Myanmar, stating that further aid would be sent as needed. South Korea also announced a $2 million aid package through international relief organizations.
Despite political tensions, the United States has pledged assistance as well. Although its relationship with Myanmar’s military government remains strained due to sanctions imposed on top officials, the humanitarian crisis has prompted a willingness to provide support.
Survivors Struggle Amid Devastation
The quake’s impact has been felt across large parts of Myanmar, including the central plains and the rugged hills of Shan State, where some areas remain beyond the control of the military government.
In Mandalay, frantic efforts are underway to rescue those trapped beneath collapsed structures. However, the lack of heavy machinery is making it difficult to remove debris efficiently.
Htet Min Oo, a 25-year-old resident, recounted his desperate attempt to save his family members. After being pulled from under a fallen wall, he tried to clear rubble in hopes of rescuing his grandmother and two uncles. But after hours of digging, exhaustion set in.
“I don’t know if they are still alive under the debris,” he said, tears streaming down his face. “After so long, I don’t think there’s any hope.”
Bangkok Rescue Efforts Intensify
In Bangkok, nearly 1,000 kilometers from the earthquake’s epicenter, a desperate effort is underway to locate those buried beneath the ruins of a collapsed 33-story tower.
Rescue teams have deployed excavators, drones, and trained search dogs to comb through the wreckage. Authorities remain hopeful as at least 15 of the 30 trapped individuals are still showing signs of life.
“We will use every possible resource and not stop our efforts,” stated Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt at the scene, emphasizing the commitment to the rescue mission.
On Friday, panic gripped the city as the quake sent tremors through Thailand’s capital. Hundreds of people sought shelter in parks and open areas, fearing aftershocks. By Saturday, the situation had stabilized, but families of the missing continued to wait anxiously for news.
Among them was Waanpetch Panta, who sat silently with her husband near the wreckage, waiting for an update about their missing 18-year-old daughter.
“I prayed that she had already been taken to the hospital,” she murmured. “All I can do now is wait.”
A Long Road to Recovery
As Myanmar grapples with this catastrophic disaster, the full extent of the destruction remains unclear. Emergency workers continue to work around the clock, hoping to find more survivors. However, with so many people still missing and many regions difficult to access, the death toll is expected to rise further.
This earthquake has not only left a devastating human toll but has also deepened the suffering of a nation already struggling with conflict and economic hardships. The coming days will be crucial in determining how much international aid reaches the affected areas and how quickly Myanmar can begin rebuilding.