A strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook Myanmar on Friday, causing destruction and now confirming 1,002 fatalities. Significant damage has also been reported in Thailand, one of the neighbouring countries that felt the tremors of the earthquake. The majority of fatalities were concentrated near the epicentre of the earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. It was hit hardest by this tragic event.
Earthquake Devastates Myanmar And Thailand
Rescue efforts are still in progress in Mandalay and the capital of Myanmar, Naypyidaw, where the earthquake’s effects have been disastrous. Rescue crews are constantly searching through debris for survivors, and 694 confirmed deaths have been reported in Mandalay alone.
At least 30 people are still unaccounted for, and 2,376 injuries have been confirmed by authorities. According to the BBC reports, the situation in Mandalay is still dire. In addition to the structural damage to buildings, the capital, Naypyidaw, has also reported 94 fatalities. Residents of the city are fighting for their lives amid damaged infrastructure.
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has also been devastated. A 30-storey skyscraper that was being built close to the Chatuchak market collapsed, killing at least ten people. Around 100 construction workers are missing and trapped beneath the debris. 15 workers are reportedly still alive despite being trapped deep within the debris, the BBC reported. As a precaution, the Bangkok government has declared an emergency and suspended metro service.
Also Read: 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Myanmar, Tremors Felt In Thailand, Vietnam; 43 Missing In Bangkok
Global Response To The Crisis
Immediately after the destruction, the world community came together. One of Myanmar’s closest neighbours, India, has sent a search and rescue team, a medical team, and supplies to aid in the nation’s recovery. The UN has also set aside $5 million to provide immediate aid, and Malaysia is sending 50 personnel to help with the relief efforts.
According to the BBC reports, Russia and the United States have also promised assistance, and Russia’s emergency ministry is sending 120 rescuers and supplies to help with the search for survivors. A second 6.4-magnitude tremor, smaller but no less powerful, followed the first one. This aftershock affected not only Bangladesh but also Meghalaya, northern Thailand, Myanmar, and other states in northeastern India, as well as the southwestern province of Yunnan in China.
Officials are still searching through the debris, and the situation is still grave. Thousands have been left stranded by the disaster, and recovery will be a difficult and drawn-out process.
Cover Image Courtesy: UNICEF/X
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