Myanmar disaster: Earthquake death toll surges past 1,000
The death toll from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday rose to 1,002 on Saturday, according to the ruling military junta, as reported by AFP. There are 2,376 individuals injured, and the death toll is likely to rise further.
What do you need to know?
- A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing extensive destruction throughout the country.
- The death toll has risen to 1,002, with 2,376 people injured. These numbers may change.
- A rescue operation is ongoing in Myanmar, and the first international rescue teams have already arrived.
According to information provided by Myanmar's ruling military junta, the death toll from the earthquake has risen to 1,002 people. There are 2,376 individuals injured. Earlier reports mentioned 694 victims but only covered the city of Mandalay, closest to the epicentre. The current toll now includes victims from other towns such as Naypyidaw, Kyauk, and Se Sagaing.
There are 30 people reported missing. The statement suggests the number of dead and injured may increase, stating that "detailed data is still being collected." Due to limited internet access and power outages, information coming out of Myanmar, especially from smaller towns, is severely restricted.
As a result of the tremors, many houses and other buildings, as well as bridges and places of worship, have collapsed, causing chaos in a country already engulfed in a bloody civil war for the past four years following the 2021 coup. The humanitarian crisis and destruction caused by 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 have sent planes with humanitarian aid. South Korea has pledged support amounting to approximately €1.9 million.
Rescue workers in Mandalay, quoted by the BBC, said they are "digging people out with their bare hands" due to a lack of heavy equipment.
The tremors of magnitude 7.7 that struck Myanmar around 05:20 AM GMT on Friday were also felt in neighbouring Thailand. Hundreds of buildings, including skyscrapers in Bangkok, about 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.
