Myanmar Earthquake Horror: 1,700 Lives Lost, Urgent Relief Needed
- Indian Ocean International Affairs
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 4 minutes read
The catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has left the nation in a state of devastation, with the death toll rising to 1,700 and thousands more injured. The quake, one of the most powerful to hit Myanmar in over a century, has overwhelmed hospitals, displaced thousands, and left critical infrastructure in ruins. Despite international pledges of aid, logistical challenges and political instability have hampered relief efforts, leaving affected communities struggling to survive. The earthquake struck Friday, sending shockwaves through the war-torn Southeast Asian country. According to Myanmar’s military government, at least 3,400 people have been injured, with over 300 reported missing. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the junta chief, warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue. Entire neighbourhoods in Mandalay and Sagaing, two of the worst-hit areas, have been reduced to rubble. Infrastructure damage is widespread, with bridges, highways, airports, and railways rendered unusable, slowing humanitarian aid. Hospitals across central and northwestern Myanmar, including in Mandalay and Naypyitaw, are overwhelmed with casualties. Many healthcare facilities have collapsed, forcing medical workers to treat patients in open areas without adequate medical supplies.
Rescue efforts have been hampered by a lack of heavy machinery and trained personnel. Many victims remain trapped under the rubble, with locals relying on basic tools to dig through collapsed buildings. “There are countless trapped, and the death toll is impossible to count at the moment.” A Chinese rescue team managed to save a woman who had been trapped for 60 hours under the rubble of the Great Wall Hotel in Mandalay. In neighbouring Thailand, the quake caused the collapse of an under-construction skyscraper in Bangkok, killing 18 people. Search teams continue to work to locate at least 76 individuals believed to be trapped under the debris. The earthquake has exacerbated the suffering of Myanmar’s people, who have already been enduring extreme hardship due to the ongoing conflict. Over 3.5 million people have been displaced by fighting, and the country’s economy is in shambles. The collapse of healthcare facilities, already weakened by years of instability, has left thousands without proper medical treatment. Myanmar’s opposition National Unity Government (NUG), which includes former members of the ousted civilian government, announced that anti-junta militias under its command would pause all offensive military operations for two weeks to allow for rescue and relief efforts. However, residents of the worst-affected regions remain sceptical about receiving meaningful assistance. “We have received no aid, and there are no rescue workers in sight,” said Han Zin, a resident of Sagaing. “Much of the town has been without electricity since the disaster, and drinking water is running out.”
Following the military junta’s rare request for international assistance, neighbouring countries, including India, China, and Thailand, have sent relief supplies. Other nations such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia have also pledged humanitarian aid. The United States has announced $2 million in emergency aid through Myanmar-based humanitarian organizations and has deployed a disaster response team. However, despite these efforts, reports from residents indicate that assistance has been slow to reach affected areas. In Mandalay and Sagaing, locals have reported severe shortages of food, water, and electricity. “The destruction is extensive, and humanitarian needs are growing by the hour,” the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies stated. Political and logistical challenges have further complicated relief efforts. Myanmar remains in turmoil due to an ongoing civil war triggered by the military coup in 2021. The military government has restricted international journalists from covering the disaster, citing a lack of facilities. The collapse of critical bridges, including one that connected Sagaing to Mandalay, has also hindered aid distribution. Satellite images show sections of the bridge submerged in the Irrawaddy River.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s predictive modelling warns that the death toll could surpass 10,000, and economic losses could exceed Myanmar’s annual GDP. While international aid has begun to trickle in, logistical bottlenecks, political restrictions, and extensive infrastructure damage are impeding large-scale relief efforts. The international community continues to monitor the situation, urging the junta to allow unrestricted access to aid organizations. Meanwhile, local volunteer groups and self-help initiatives remain the primary source of relief for thousands of survivors. As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, global cooperation and swift humanitarian intervention will be crucial to saving lives and rebuilding the nation. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness, robust infrastructure, and a more coordinated response to humanitarian crises in the region.
