The death toll from the earthquake in Myanmar rises as foreign aid arrives
Following a devastating earthquake in Myanmar that claimed the lives of over 1,600 people, the military junta in power has allowed in numerous foreign rescue teams to assist with the rescue efforts. This earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, is one of the most severe natural disasters the country has faced in years, causing widespread destruction to infrastructure and claiming many lives.
The toll in Myanmar stands at 1,644, with neighboring Thailand also reporting casualties from the quake. The city of Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar, was particularly hard hit, with survivors tirelessly digging through the rubble to save those trapped beneath. The quake has caused significant damage to buildings, roads, and bridges, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the already fragile economy.
In response to the crisis, international aid is pouring in, with countries like China and the United States offering assistance. The U.S. has pledged to provide aid despite its strained relations with the Myanmar military. Other countries, including India, are also sending relief supplies to help those affected by the disaster.
As rescue operations continue and the scale of the devastation becomes clearer, the international community is rallying to support Myanmar in its time of need.
According to Myanmar state media, a plane carrying humanitarian aid from India has landed in Yangon. In addition, Russia, Malaysia, and Singapore are sending relief supplies and personnel to the affected areas. Residents in the hardest-hit regions are in urgent need of assistance. The earthquake, which struck on Friday, has impacted a large area in Myanmar, from Mandalay to the Shan hills in the east. Rescue efforts in Mandalay are facing challenges due to a lack of manpower, equipment, and vehicles, leaving many people trapped. In Bangkok, authorities are using various resources, including excavators and search-and-rescue dogs, to locate construction workers trapped in a collapsed building. Despite the challenges, there is still hope for finding survivors. Families are anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones, hoping to see them again. In the aftermath of the earthquake, there are concerns about damaged buildings in the city, with engineers working to assess potential risks and provide necessary support.
