In the aftermath of Myanmar’s devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake, the death toll continues to rise as rescue operations are underway. The military government has reported a staggering 1,644 fatalities, along with thousands injured and dozens still missing. In a gesture of support, Myanmar’s main resistance movement has declared a temporary ceasefire to aid in relief efforts.
The earthquake struck on Friday, triggering multiple aftershocks, with one registering at 6.4. The impact was felt in Thailand, resulting in 10 casualties in the greater Bangkok area. Several countries, including Malaysia, Russia, and China, have mobilized rescue and relief teams to assist in the crisis.
Key updates include:
– Ceasefire Initiative: Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government has announced a partial ceasefire to enable earthquake relief operations. The People’s Defense Force, the armed branch of the resistance movement, will halt offensive military actions in affected regions for a two-week period starting Sunday.
– UN Relief Efforts: The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is leading relief efforts, with $5 million allocated for life-saving aid. Critical supplies are being transported from China to support medical and shelter needs in the affected areas.
– Rising Death Toll: The confirmed death toll in Myanmar has risen to 1,644, up from the initial count of 1,002. The number of injured individuals has reached 3,408, with 139 still missing since the earthquake struck.
– International Support: Russia has dispatched a medical team specializing in infectious diseases, resuscitation, and traumatology to assist in treating earthquake victims. Additionally, Russian rescue workers equipped with advanced search and rescue tools have arrived in Yangon.
As the global community rallies to provide assistance, the focus remains on delivering essential aid to those affected by this tragic natural disaster in Myanmar.
A team from Hong Kong has dispatched 51 search-and-rescue personnel to assist with earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar. Among the group are firefighters, ambulance personnel, and two search-and-rescue dogs. They have brought along nine tons (18,000 pounds) of equipment, including life detectors, masonry cutting machines, and an automatic satellite tracking antenna system for network connection, as stated on the Hong Kong government’s website.
The control tower at Myanmar airport collapsed due to the earthquake. Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC, analyzed by The Associated Press, revealed the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport had toppled over. Debris was scattered from the tower, which controlled air traffic in Myanmar’s capital. It remains unclear if there were any injuries from the collapse.
China has pledged 100 million yuan ($13.8 million) in emergency humanitarian aid for earthquake relief in Myanmar. Additional rescue teams and aid are being sent, with Chinese President Xi Jinping extending condolences to Myanmar’s leader. In response to the earthquake, New Zealand plans to provide support through the International Red Cross Movement.
South Korea has also committed $2 million worth of humanitarian aid to Myanmar through international organizations to aid in recovery efforts following the earthquake. The Foreign Ministry stated that Seoul will closely monitor the situation and offer further assistance if required.
