A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar today, with its epicenter located near Mandalay. As night falls, the full extent of the destruction is becoming increasingly apparent, with many regions reporting significant casualties and damage. At least 144 people have died in Myanmar, according to the first official death toll released by the military government. More than 730 were injured, it said.
In Mandalay, the aftermath is chaotic. Eyewitness accounts describe a city in ruins, with numerous buildings collapsed and infrastructure severely damaged. A local resident reported, “The city is a complete mess and completely destroyed,” as sirens and emergency vehicles fill the streets. The military junta, currently in control of Myanmar, has declared a state of emergency in the affected regions, including Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway, Northeastern Shan, and Bago.
Rescue operations are underway, but the situation is dire. A rescue worker described the challenges faced by teams on the ground, stating they currently lack the machinery necessary to reach trapped individuals. “We are digging out people with our bare hands. It is not enough to get the bodies and people out who are trapped under the rubble,” he lamented. Reports indicate scores of construction workers remain unaccounted for, with estimates suggesting that around 100 individuals may still be trapped.
International relief organizations, including Doctors Without Borders and the International Rescue Committee, are mobilizing to provide assistance. However, they face significant hurdles due to damaged roads and ongoing communication blackouts in many hard-hit areas. “Time is particularly critical in situations like these, especially for those who need immediate care,” emphasized Federica Franco, Doctors Without Borders’ head of mission in Myanmar.
In nearby Nay Pyi Taw, health workers are also grappling with the fallout. One worker recounted the terrifying moment the earthquake struck, saying, “We didn’t have time to run. It was so shaky that we couldn’t run,” after which she took refuge in an open field. Reports from various villages indicate that urgent medical assistance is needed as many people remain trapped or injured.
The earthquake’s impact extends beyond immediate casualties. The UNHCR has raised concerns about the growing humanitarian crisis, especially among the 1.6 million people displaced by ongoing conflict in Myanmar, many of whom now face additional hardships due to the disaster. “This disaster, combined with an intensified armed conflict, makes civilians pay an immense price,” stated Diogo Alcantara, a representative based in Yangon.
In Bangkok, two buildings were evacuated following the quake, and authorities have reported over 2,000 cases requiring inspection. A local spokesperson confirmed that 100 volunteer engineers will assess the damage tomorrow. Meanwhile, public transport systems have faced disruptions, with only buses remaining operational and severe congestion affecting road traffic.
As the night progresses, the urgency of the situation escalates. Rescue workers, volunteers, and humanitarian organizations are racing against time to locate survivors buried under the rubble, and the hopes of many families hang in the balance as they await news of their loved ones.