Rescue efforts continue with floodlights at night and drones assisting in operations. Aid organizations are working to deliver emergency supplies, though challenges remain. The death toll is expected to rise as more people are found under the rubble.
TFM Report
The Myanmar earthquake has caused widespread destruction, affecting thousands of people across Myanmar and Thailand. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but challenges such as infrastructure damage, civil conflict, and communication blackouts make relief efforts difficult. International aid is mobilizing, but the full scale of the disaster is yet to be determined.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, leading to severe destruction across multiple regions. According to state-run MRTV, at least 144 people have been killed and 732 injured. The earthquake’s impact was felt in neighboring countries, including Thailand and India. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake’s epicenter was 17.2 km from Mandalay, with a depth of 10 km. A 6.4-magnitude aftershock followed shortly after the main quake, further exacerbating the devastation.
Impact in Myanmar
- Structural Damage: Multiple buildings, including the Ma Soe Yane monastery, the former royal palace, and government housing in Naypyidaw, collapsed. Roads cracked, and a 90-year-old bridge in the Sagaing region was destroyed. A dam burst, leading to flooding in low-lying areas.
- Human Casualties: Thousands of residents were left stranded, with hospitals overwhelmed by the injured. Reports indicate Mandalay General Hospital is nearing full capacity.
- Rescue Efforts: Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with Chinese rescuers deploying a 37-member team with emergency aid from Kunming, China.
Impact in Thailand
- In Bangkok, a 33-story high-rise under construction collapsed, killing at least eight people and leaving over 117 missing. The Thai government has declared Bangkok a disaster zone and is conducting urgent inspections of more than 2,000 buildings.
- Public Transport Disruptions: The subway and elevated transit systems were shut down.
- Rescue Operations: Sniffer dogs and drones are aiding in the search for survivors, with rescuers working tirelessly to clear debris.
Witness Accounts
- In Mandalay, survivors described terrifying moments as buildings swayed and collapsed.
- In Bangkok, people rushed out of high-rises, with some running against escalators in panic.
- Videos from social media showed monks filming their monastery just before its collapse.
Challenges in Rescue and Aid
- Communication Blackouts: Hard-hit areas in Myanmar face significant internet and network outages, making rescue coordination difficult.
- Security Concerns: Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict has hindered aid distribution. Amnesty International has expressed concerns that the military may restrict aid to opposition-held areas.
- Infrastructure Damage: Key roads and bridges have been severely damaged, delaying emergency relief efforts.
Geological Context
- The earthquake was caused by the movement of tectonic plates.
- Myanmar is located in a seismically active region, but many buildings are not designed to withstand large earthquakes.
- Thailand, although not typically at high risk, felt the impact due to the quake’s intensity.
International Response
- China has sent an emergency rescue medical team.
- Doctors Without Borders warns that humanitarian aid delivery is complicated due to the ongoing Myanmar conflict.
- More international aid is expected, with Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing appealing for global assistance.
Current Situation and Ongoing Efforts
- Rescue efforts continue as night falls, with floodlights and drones assisting in operations.
- Aid organizations are working to deliver emergency supplies, though challenges remain.
- The death toll is expected to rise as more people are found under the rubble.