BANGKOK — The devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has tragically claimed the lives of 1,644 individuals, with rescue teams continuing their efforts to find survivors amidst the rubble of collapsed buildings near the second-largest city in the country.
The latest figures represent a significant increase from the previously reported total of 1,002 casualties, highlighting the challenges of assessing the full extent of the disaster over a wide area and the expectation that the numbers will escalate following Friday’s seismic event. The number of individuals sustaining injuries has risen to 3,408, while 139 people remain unaccounted for.
Rescue Operations and Challenges
Rescue operations are in full swing, particularly in the heavily impacted cities of Mandalay and Naypyitaw. However, the delivery of aid is complicated by the damaged airports in these areas, rendering them unsuitable for landing aircraft.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is grappling with a prolonged civil conflict that has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region. The ongoing strife not only hampers movement and poses risks to individuals but also complicates relief missions, raising concerns about a potential surge in the death toll.
Impact and Aftershocks
The earthquake struck around midday on Friday, with its epicenter located near Mandalay, followed by several aftershocks, including one registering 6.4 on the Richter scale. The seismic activity resulted in the collapse of numerous structures, buckled roads, bridge failures, and the breach of a dam.
In Naypyidaw, efforts are underway to repair damaged infrastructure as essential services like electricity, telecommunications, and internet connectivity remain disrupted. Several government buildings, including residences for civil servants, were among the structures severely affected by the quake.
Regional Impact and Response
Neighboring Thailand also felt the tremors, particularly in the greater Bangkok area, home to millions of residents. Authorities in Bangkok confirmed ten fatalities, nine of which occurred at a construction site near the popular Chatuchak market, with 78 individuals still unaccounted for. Search and rescue operations persist as hope diminishes for additional survivors.
Efforts to clear debris and locate missing persons continue, with heavy machinery deployed to expedite the process. However, the emotional toll on families and friends awaiting news of their loved ones remains palpable, underscoring the human impact of natural disasters.
Seismic Risk and Preparedness
Earthquakes are infrequent in Bangkok but common in Myanmar, attributed to the country’s location along the Sagaing Fault, a significant tectonic boundary between the India and Sunda plates. Seismologist Brian Baptie emphasized the vulnerability of Myanmar’s population due to the prevalence of timber and unreinforced brick structures, underscoring the potential devastation in densely populated areas.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of this seismic event, the focus remains on rescue operations, rebuilding efforts, and long-term preparedness to mitigate future risks.
