BANGKOK — A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Myanmar, resulting in a rapidly rising death toll. As of Saturday, 1,644 individuals have been confirmed dead, with thousands more injured and dozens accounted as missing. In light of the disaster, Myanmar’s primary opposition group has temporarily halted some military actions to aid in rescue and relief work.
The earthquake hit around midday on Friday and was succeeded by several significant aftershocks, the largest registering a 6.4 magnitude. The tremors were felt as far as Thailand, where 10 lives were lost in the Bangkok area. In response, countries like Malaysia, China, and Russia have sent both rescue teams and aid supplies.
As the disaster unfolds, Myanmar’s opposition, the National Unity Government, has declared a partial ceasefire to allow smoother relief operations. Their armed division, the People’s Defense Force, will pause offensive operations in the affected zones for two weeks starting Sunday. This is to ensure the safety and facilitation of humanitarian assistance efforts in collaboration with the United Nations and other NGOs.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs released a preliminary report detailing their approach to the crisis, emphasizing their commitment to providing life-saving aid. An initial fund of $5 million has been allocated to support these efforts. Communications and infrastructure have been severely compromised, especially in areas like Yangon, hampering immediate response measures.
Additionally, a convoy is scheduled to arrive with essential medical and shelter supplies, although many medical facilities have been either damaged or destroyed, resulting in a critical shortage of medical necessities like trauma kits and essential medicines.
In response to the mounting casualties, Myanmar’s military government announced the increase in the death toll, which had escalated significantly from earlier reports. As of now, 3,408 people are reported injured, and 139 remain missing due to the disaster.
As part of international aid efforts, Russia has dispatched a medical team to assist the injured. This includes specialists in various fields such as infectious diseases and traumatology. Furthermore, Russian rescue workers have already landed in Yangon to support search and rescue operations.
From Hong Kong, a team of 51 rescue professionals, including firefighters, ambulance staff, and rescue dogs, has been deployed. They arrived equipped with critical search tools and technology to aid in recovery efforts.
On the infrastructure front, satellites have captured images of significant damage to the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport, believed to be toppled by the quake. Although there was no immediate report on injuries related to this, the collapse has disrupted air traffic operations.
China has pledged considerable aid to support Myanmar in this crisis, promising 100 million yuan for emergency efforts. Chinese emergency teams from Beijing and border areas have already mobilized, and additional supplies and personnel have been dispatched.
From New Zealand, expressions of support have come, with the government promising financial aid through the International Red Cross Movement. Similarly, South Korea has pledged $2 million in humanitarian assistance to help with immediate earthquake relief efforts, promising to monitor the situation for potential further aid requirements.