Myanmar – Nearly three days after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, rescuers continue to unearth both devastation and resilience beneath the debris. As of Sunday, the death toll in Myanmar has surged to over 1,700 lives lost, with hundreds still missing, and tremors shaking lives far beyond its borders.
Miraculous Rescues Amid Widespread Destruction
In an extraordinary turn of events, four survivors were pulled alive from the ruins of a collapsed school in the Sagaing region, nearly 60 hours after the initial quake. Emergency services confirmed the discovery of a body alongside the rescued individuals, as recovery operations persist against overwhelming odds.
Elsewhere, a 36-hour ordeal ended with the rescue of an elderly woman in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar’s capital. Carried out on a stretcher surrounded by weary but determined rescue workers, the moment captured in heart-rending footage symbolised a glimmer of hope amid extensive despair.
In Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city and near the quake’s epicentre, 29 people were saved from a crumbled apartment block. First responders continue scouring the wreckage with urgency as the chance of survival narrows with each passing hour.
Disaster Ripples Across Borders: Thailand’s Tragedy
The seismic waves didn’t respect borders. In Bangkok, Thailand, an under-construction high-rise succumbed to the tremors, claiming at least 18 lives and leaving 76 workers unaccounted for. The disaster was exacerbated by Bangkok’s soft soil, which amplified the quake’s intensity.
Rescue teams in Thailand detected faint signs of life beneath the rubble, sparking cautious optimism. However, concerns have emerged about possible construction flaws, as “anomalies” in steel materials are now under investigation.
International Response: A Surge of Solidarity
A wave of international support has begun pouring into Myanmar as countries rally to provide manpower, supplies, and hope. Among those contributing:
- China: 82-member rescue squad dispatched
- India: Emergency flight with aid and personnel
- Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea, New Zealand, Ireland: All sent teams or pledged assistance
- UK: £10 million humanitarian aid package
These collaborative efforts highlight not just regional solidarity but a global commitment to humanitarian relief in crisis zones.
A Nation in Crisis: Earthquake Amid Civil Conflict
While the physical earthquake has shaken the ground, Myanmar’s foundation was already fractured. The country remains embroiled in a bitter civil conflict following the 2021 military coup. Shockingly, even as rescue operations are underway, military airstrikes have continued in conflict zones such as Chaung-U township, drawing condemnation from the United Nations.
In contrast, the opposition-aligned National Unity Government has announced a temporary ceasefire in affected regions, pausing offensive operations to allow humanitarian access.
What Lies Ahead: Monsoon Looms as the Next Threat
Aid workers warn that the worst may not be over. With monsoon rains expected to begin in April, there’s growing concern that displaced communities will soon face flooding, disease outbreaks, and further displacement.
“Last year, we saw severe flooding that compromised sanitation and shelter. This year, the situation could be worse,” said Lauren Ellery from the International Rescue Committee.
The confluence of natural disaster, political instability, and weather vulnerability is creating a triple threat for Myanmar’s civilian population—millions of whom already live in precarious conditions.
