Myanmar continues to grapple with the devastating aftermath of a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck on Friday, leaving widespread destruction and a rising death toll. As of Tuesday, at least 2,719 people have been confirmed dead, according to reports from a government official relayed by local media.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing addressed the nation in a televised statement, revealing that in addition to the staggering number of fatalities, more than 4,500 people sustained injuries in the disaster. Reports from The Associated Press and Reuters indicate that rescue efforts remain ongoing, but authorities fear the worst for those still unaccounted for.
“Among the missing, most are assumed to be dead,” the military leader stated during his broadcast. “There is a narrow chance for them to remain alive as it has been over 72 hours since the earthquake struck.”
Despite these grim projections, emergency responders have not given up hope. The Myanmar Fire Services Department confirmed that search-and-rescue teams are still working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble. In a remarkable rescue, a 63-year-old woman was found alive nearly 91 hours after the earthquake, demonstrating that miracles can still happen amid the tragedy.
The earthquake has drawn international concern, with humanitarian aid efforts mobilizing in response to the crisis. While the United States has pledged $2 million in relief assistance, China has already stepped in with substantial aid, filling the immediate void left by the catastrophic event.
As Myanmar faces this profound crisis, rescue operations, medical assistance, and rebuilding efforts remain a priority. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available on the ongoing response and recovery efforts.
Keep up with the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake recovery efforts with us on Que Onda Magazine.