Mandalay, Myanmar – A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation in the region. The earthquake, centered approximately 10 miles from the town of Sagaing, near Myanmar’s second most populated city, Mandalay, has left a trail of destruction in its wake.
The death toll in Myanmar has risen to over 1,600, with more than 3,400 reported injured. The numbers are expected to increase as rescue efforts continue. Videos shared on social media show collapsed buildings and damaged infrastructure in Mandalay, underscoring the extent of the disaster.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, communication lines were severed in Mandalay, Sagaing, and southern Shan state, leaving residents disconnected from their families and loved ones. The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported the challenges faced in coordinating relief efforts due to damaged infrastructure.
International aid has started to pour into Myanmar, with countries like Russia, China, and the United States offering support. However, the coordination of rescue efforts has been hampered by the communication difficulties and the scale of the destruction caused by the earthquake.
The earthquake has exacerbated the existing challenges faced by Myanmar, including the ongoing civil war and the rule of a military junta. Plan International’s program director, John McGown, highlighted the impact of the earthquake on an already fragile situation, making access to information and affected areas more difficult.
The aftermath of the earthquake has also seen multiple aftershocks, further adding to the chaos and destruction in the region. In Bangkok, a 30-story building collapsed following the quake, leading to a massive rescue operation involving drones, sniffer dogs, and heavy machinery to free trapped individuals.
Families gathered outside the collapsed building, anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones. The resilience and solidarity of the community shine through as they hope for the safe rescue of those trapped inside. The earthquake in Myanmar serves as a stark reminder of the need for preparedness and international collaboration in times of crisis.