Rescuers in Myanmar are working tirelessly to search for survivors after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country on Thursday. The quake, with its epicenter in Mandalay, has left at least 1,002 people dead and 2,376 injured, according to Burmese state media.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the death toll could exceed 10,000, given the extent of the destruction.
Massive Destruction Across Myanmar and Neighboring Countries
The earthquake’s tremors were so strong that it was felt 900 kilometers away in Bangkok, Thailand, where several bridges and buildings collapsed. Strong tremors were also reported in:
- India: Meghalaya and Manipur
- Bangladesh: Dhaka and Chattogram
- China: Parts of Yunnan province
Survivors Recount Harrowing Experiences
Survivors of the Myanmar earthquake have shared terrifying accounts of their experience.
“I was in the washroom when the earthquake hit. As I rushed to another building for shelter, a second quake struck, and that building collapsed too. My grandmother, aunt, and uncles are still missing—there is no hope of survival,” a survivor told BBC.
India, China, and Russia Send Aid as Myanmar Requests Global Help
After Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered humanitarian assistance, India launched “Operation Brahma”, delivering 15 tonnes of relief materials, including:
- Solar lamps
- Food packets
- Kitchen sets
The aid was transported to Myanmar via an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft.
Also Read: Myanmar earthquake, India sends 15 tonnes of relief material amidst earthquake
In a rare move, Myanmar’s junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has appealed for global assistance:
“I would like to invite any country, any organization, or anyone in Myanmar to come and help. Thank you,” he said.
Following this appeal, China and Russia have also dispatched rescue teams and aid to Myanmar.
Thailand Declares Emergency, Bangkok Reports 2,000 Damaged Buildings
In Thailand, Bangkok authorities reported 2,000 cases of structural damage in buildings across the city. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that one under-construction skyscraper collapsed, leaving at least 10 people dead and 100 construction workers missing.
The Thai government has declared a state of emergency in the capital to assess and repair damages.
US Pledges Help Amid USAID Budget Cuts
Despite recent budget cuts to USAID announced by former US President Donald Trump, the US government has vowed to send assistance to Myanmar. USAID has historically played a critical role in global disaster relief efforts.
Myanmar’s High Earthquake Risk: Sagaing Fault Line
Experts warn that Myanmar is highly earthquake-prone due to its location on the Sagaing Fault Line, which has caused major earthquakes in the past:
- 1946: 7.7-magnitude earthquake
- 2012: 6.8-magnitude earthquake
With power and water shortages worsening in Myanmar following the quake, relief efforts are expected to intensify in the coming.
