Earthquake devastation in Myanmar: Death toll exceeds 1,000
The death toll from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has reached 1,002 by Saturday, according to the ruling military junta, as reported by AFP. There are 2,376 injured individuals, and the death toll is expected to increase.
What do you need to know?
- A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction across the country.
- The death toll has risen to 1,002, with 2,376 people injured, and these numbers could change.
- A rescue operation is underway in Myanmar, and the first international rescue teams have already arrived.
According to data from the ruling military junta in Myanmar, the death toll from the earthquake has risen to 1,002 people. There are 2,376 injured individuals. Initial reports cited 694 victims, focusing solely on the city of Mandalay, which was nearest the epicentre. The current figures include victims from other towns such as Naypyidaw, Kyauk, and Se Sagaing.
Thirty people have been reported missing. The statement indicates that the number of dead and injured may rise, noting that "detailed data is still being collected." Due to restricted internet access and power outages, information flow from Myanmar, particularly smaller towns, is severely limited.
As a result of the tremors, numerous houses, buildings, bridges, and places of worship have collapsed, causing chaos in a country already embroiled in a bloody civil war over the past four years since the 2021 coup. The humanitarian crisis and destruction from the armed conflict are complicating aid efforts for earthquake victims.
Tragedy in Myanmar. Bodies being dug out "with bare hands"
The junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, ordered a swift rescue operation. The first international rescue teams arrived in Myanmar on Saturday, including a 37-person team from China. Russia, India, Malaysia, and Singapore sent planes with humanitarian aid. South Korea pledged support amounting to $2 million.
Rescue workers in Mandalay, quoted by the BBC, mentioned they are "digging people out with their bare hands" due to a lack of heavy equipment.
The 7.7-magnitude tremors that struck Myanmar around 1:50 AM EST on Friday were also felt in neighbouring Thailand. Hundreds of buildings, including skyscrapers in Bangkok, approximately 1,000 kilometres from the epicentre, were damaged. Rescue operations continued there on Saturday, aiming to free workers from the rubble of a 33-storey skyscraper.
