Devastating Earthquake Strikes Central Myanmar, Death Toll Surpasses 1,600
The official death toll from the catastrophic earthquake that struck central Myanmar has tragically exceeded 1,600, according to the country’s military leaders. On Saturday, as urgent rescue operations commenced, teams raced against time to locate survivors amidst the ruins of a nation already grappling with the turmoil of civil war. The powerful quake hit near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, on Friday, unleashing devastation that left buildings, including apartments, monasteries, and mosques, in ruins.
Rescue workers, many of whom are volunteers, tirelessly searched through debris in hopes of finding those who might still be alive. The earthquake caused significant damage, toppling power lines and buckling roads, complicating rescue efforts. Unfortunately, many workers lacked essential equipment, such as excavators, and operated under the watchful eye of the repressive military authorities. One volunteer, Thaw Zin, shared the grim reality, stating, “There are at least a hundred people still trapped inside,” as he sat in front of a collapsed condominium, stressing their commitment: “We are trying our best with what we have.”
With the situation evolving, the death toll is anticipated to rise sharply. However, the military junta, which has been in power since overthrowing an elected government in 2021, has been known to restrict the flow of information, making it challenging to ascertain the true scale of the disaster. The United States Geological Survey has projected that the number of fatalities may ultimately exceed 10,000.
In a poignant moment captured in the aftermath, Phyu Lay Khaing was rescued from the wreckage of the Sky Villa condominium and transported to a hospital in Mandalay on Saturday, highlighting the desperate plight of those affected.
Credit: Sai Aung Main/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
This devastating earthquake has raised significant concerns about the ability of Myanmar’s military rulers to maintain control, especially as they face mounting pressure from rebel groups amid an ongoing civil conflict. U.N. officials highlight that nearly 20 million of Myanmar’s approximately 54 million citizens were already suffering from insufficient food and shelter prior to this disaster, underscoring the dire humanitarian situation exacerbated by the quake.
