Rescue efforts are in full swing across Myanmar after a powerful earthquake struck the country, with the death toll surging past 1,000. The devastating quake, which hit nearly 24 hours ago, has left a trail of destruction, particularly in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. More than 2,300 people have been reported injured, and the numbers are expected to rise as emergency teams continue their search for survivors.
Authorities and rescue workers are racing against time, with some teams resorting to digging through the rubble with their bare hands. Mandalay remains the hardest-hit area, with collapsed buildings, disrupted power lines, and communication blackouts hampering relief efforts. The full scale of the disaster across the country remains unclear, as official data is still being compiled.
The earthquake’s impact was felt beyond Myanmar’s borders, particularly in neighboring Thailand, where an unfinished skyscraper collapsed. Around 100 workers remain unaccounted for, and at least six deaths have been confirmed in Thailand. Families anxiously wait for updates as rescue operations continue.
Myanmar’s ruling military government has made a rare appeal for international assistance. China and India were among the first countries to respond, with India sending aid packages to the affected region. Photos circulating in Indian media show relief supplies being loaded onto a cargo plane following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pledge of support. Modi stated that Indian authorities were on standby to assist further as needed.
The humanitarian crisis continues to unfold as thousands of displaced people seek shelter and medical assistance. International aid organizations are preparing to mobilize resources, but logistical challenges persist due to the country’s political situation and infrastructure damage.
With rescue operations ongoing and aftershocks a possibility, authorities are urging caution while working tirelessly to find survivors. The coming days will be crucial in assessing the full extent of the destruction and coordinating relief efforts to help those affected by this tragic disaster.
