Earthquake disaster in Myanmar. Photo: Myo Kyaw Soe / Xinhua News
A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday at noon killed at least 2,719 people, and the death toll could exceed 3,000. This was stated by the leader of the military junta, Min Aung Hlaing, in a televised address, Reuters reports. More than 4,500 people were injured, and 441 are missing.
International humanitarian organisations warn that the situation is critical. Thousands of people are homeless and in need of food, water and medical care. Amnesty International has called on Myanmar’s military authorities to immediately allow humanitarian missions to access the most affected regions.
“The Myanmar army has a long history of blocking aid in areas where insurgent groups are active,” said Amnesty’s Joe Freeman.
Despite calls from the international community, the military authorities have not only obstructed aid, but, according to local resistance groups, have also conducted airstrikes in rebel-held areas.
Horrific destruction: dozens of children killed in the rubble
In Mandalay province, 50 children and two teachers have been killed in the rubble of a school, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports.
“The population of the affected regions is facing a critical shortage of clean water and basic sanitation,” the UN report says.
People are afraid of new aftershocks and are forced to sleep outdoors. “After the shock of the earthquake, residents are now afraid of new aftershocks and spend their nights in open spaces,” said one of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) volunteers.
Rescue operation in Bangkok: less and less chance of finding survivors
The earthquake also caused serious damage in neighbouring Thailand. In the capital, Bangkok, a rescue operation is underway at the site of the collapse of a multi-storey building. Up to 70 people are still trapped under the rubble.
“The chances of finding someone alive are getting smaller and smaller,” acknowledged rescue volunteer Bin Bunluerit.
Scanners have detected six silhouettes under the wreckage, but no signs of life have been recorded so far. Rescuers from the United States, Israel and other countries are searching for the victims.
Meanwhile, the Thai authorities have launched an investigation into the causes of the disaster. The inspection showed that some of the structures of the high-rise building did not meet building standards, which could have contributed to its collapse.
The situation is escalating: the world is calling for immediate help
The global community is calling on Myanmar’s military authorities to immediately open humanitarian corridors. However, so far, international aid has been blocked, and thousands of people remain trapped in the wake of natural disaster and political repression.
