A devastating earthquake in Myanmar is expected to result in over 3,000 fatalities, complicating an existing humanitarian crisis due to civil strife. Rescue operations continue with diminishing hopes of finding survivors, although remarkable rescues have occurred. Urgent needs for aid include clean water and medical supplies, while the ongoing conflict poses additional challenges to humanitarian efforts.
A recent earthquake in Myanmar, registering a magnitude of 7.7, has left an estimated 3,000 individuals dead, exacerbating an ongoing humanitarian crisis linked to a civil conflict. Rescue operations continue, though chances of locating survivors are diminishing. The Myanmar military regime reported that at least 441 people remain unaccounted for following the disaster, and humanitarian officials emphasize the urgent need for water, shelter, and medical supplies to support the affected population.
The earthquake has resulted in significant structural damage, with over 10,000 buildings either collapsing or sustaining severe impairment in central and northwest Myanmar. In the Thai capital of Bangkok, a construction site tragedy claimed 20 lives, mainly from a high-rise building that collapsed. An inquiry is underway to investigate potential structural failures responsible for this calamity.
Amidst the devastation, remarkable rescues are emerging. Among the notable incidents, a 63-year-old woman was saved from beneath rubble after being trapped for over 90 hours. Various rescue operations have been initiated, with reports indicating that 403 individuals were rescued in Mandalay and several others saved from the ruins of collapsed structures.
Despite international assistance slowly arriving, the availability of heavy machinery is limited, hindering rescue efforts. Notably, aid from countries such as China, Russia, and India is arriving, while the U.S. also dispatched rescue teams. However, the dire circumstances are worsened by the aftermath of Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, which displaced millions even prior to the earthquake.
With rising concerns regarding disease outbreaks due to contaminated water and damaged sanitation systems, UNICEF described the situation as increasingly dire. The ongoing military coup since 2021 has created barriers to effective humanitarian aid delivery, despite calls from the National Unity Government for international support. The NUG warned of severe consequences if humanitarian efforts are obstructed amid the military’s ongoing hostilities.
In summary, the catastrophic earthquake in Myanmar, alongside an ongoing civil conflict, presents a complex humanitarian situation. Rescue efforts are still ongoing, yet the challenges are immense, with dwindling hopes of finding additional survivors. Urgent international aid is required to address devastating shortages in water, food, and medical supplies, exacerbated by the structural damages caused by the quake. The need for stability and unimpeded humanitarian assistance remains critical in saving lives amidst these crises.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
