Rescue workers in Myanmar continue to search for survivors following a devastating earthquake that has claimed more than 2,700 lives, with the death toll expected to rise further. On Tuesday, a 63-year-old woman was pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed building in Naypyitaw, 91 hours after the earthquake struck. However, hopes of finding many more survivors are dwindling as the hours pass. Experts note that the chances of locating survivors significantly decrease after 72 hours.
Myanmar’s military government reported that 2,719 people have been confirmed dead, with 4,521 others injured and 441 still missing. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7, affected a wide area, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and communication networks. Rescue operations are hampered by the destruction, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that over 10,000 buildings have either collapsed or sustained severe damage in central and northwest Myanmar. The quake also impacted neighboring Thailand, where a construction site collapse killed 21 workers and injured 34 others.
Relief efforts have been slow, with heavy machinery scarce in many affected areas. Foreign rescue teams, including those from China, Russia, India, and several Southeast Asian countries, are assisting in the search efforts. The Myanmar military government has also reported the successful rescue of four people from the ruins of a collapsed apartment complex in Naypyitaw, including a 5-year-old and a pregnant woman.
As international aid pours in, the situation remains dire. More than 3 million people were already displaced by Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, and the earthquake has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. The UN warns of an increased risk of disease outbreaks due to the destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure. The looming monsoon season adds another layer of concern, as many survivors are now forced to sleep outdoors.
The ongoing civil war complicates the disaster response, with both government and anti-military forces continuing to engage in hostilities. The National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow government formed by ousted lawmakers, has called for a ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to be delivered directly to those affected by the earthquake.
As the international community rallies to provide assistance, there are concerns over the military’s role in the aid distribution process, with some fearing that it may impede relief efforts. However, Myanmar’s leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has indicated that the country will accept foreign help in the aftermath of the disaster.
The global community faces a race against time to provide life-saving aid to Myanmar’s earthquake victims before the situation worsens.
