The death toll from the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has risen to at least 1,644, with over 3,400 people still missing. The quake, which hit around midday near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, has left the country grappling with collapsed infrastructure, disrupted communications, and the ongoing civil war, significantly hampering rescue efforts.
Emergency Response Hindered by Chaos
Rescue teams have started to arrive in the worst-hit areas, but progress is slow. Collapsed roads, damaged bridges, and obstructed airport facilities have made it extremely challenging to reach those in need.
Cara Bragg, the Yangon-based manager of Catholic Relief Services, highlighted the dire situation:
“It’s mainly been local volunteers and residents trying to find their loved ones. Some countries are now sending search and rescue teams, but hospitals are overwhelmed with the number of injured, and there’s a severe shortage of medical supplies, food, and clean water.”
Critical Infrastructure in Ruins
The earthquake has severely damaged Mandalay Airport and Naypyitaw Airport, the latter losing its control tower. As a result, commercial flights to the most affected cities have been halted, further complicating relief efforts. Thousands of residents in Mandalay, a city of 1.5 million, are now forced to sleep on the streets, either homeless or too afraid to return to their damaged homes amid ongoing aftershocks.
International Aid Begins to Arrive
Foreign aid is beginning to trickle in, despite logistical challenges. On Saturday, two Indian C-17 military aircraft landed at Naypyitaw, bringing a field hospital unit and 120 personnel to set up a 60-bed emergency treatment centre. Meanwhile, China has pledged around £11 million in emergency aid, dispatching 135 rescue workers, generators, and medical kits. A convoy of 17 Chinese trucks loaded with shelter and medical supplies is expected to reach Mandalay after a 14-hour journey from Yangon.
Russia has also sent 120 rescuers and a medical team to Yangon. Meanwhile, in neighbouring Thailand, which also felt the tremors, 17 people have been confirmed dead, including 10 fatalities from a collapsed high-rise construction site in Bangkok.
Civil War Further Complicates Rescue Efforts
The already dire situation is being exacerbated by Myanmar’s ongoing civil war. The military, which seized power in 2021 from Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government, continues to clash with opposition forces, including the People’s Defence Forces (PDF).
On Saturday, the opposition’s National Unity Government (NUG) announced a unilateral partial ceasefire to support earthquake relief. However, the military has not acknowledged this and has reportedly continued airstrikes.
The Three Brotherhood Alliance, one of Myanmar’s largest militant coalitions, pledged to support relief work, stating:
“We will promptly provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake to the best of our ability, with a spirit of humanity, unity, and brotherhood.”
Desperate Search for Survivors
As each day passes, hope dwindles for those still trapped under rubble. Search and rescue teams are racing against time, as most survivors of natural disasters are typically rescued within the first 24 hours.
A UN report on Saturday emphasized the “severe damage or destruction” of many healthcare facilities. There is an urgent need for trauma kits, blood bags, and medical tents. Hospitals are struggling with overcrowding, and many patients are being treated in makeshift clinics or outdoors.
A Grim Outlook
Rescue efforts remain focused on Mandalay and the capital Naypyitaw, but many affected rural areas are still inaccessible. Aid agencies fear that as more data comes in, the death toll will rise significantly.
Bragg warned:
“Right now, we’re at 1,600 known fatalities, but with limited data, we have to assume it will increase into the thousands.”
The crisis is drawing international attention, but with Myanmar’s infrastructure in ruins and political instability ongoing, the road to recovery looks long and uncertain.
The world watches as Myanmar struggles to cope with this dual crisis of natural disaster and civil conflict, with countless lives hanging in the balance.
