Earthquake in Myanmar Leaves Over 2,000 Dead; Rescue Efforts Underway

A massive earthquake in Myanmar has surpassed 2,000 fatalities with rescue efforts in full swing in Mandalay. The military reported extensive damage and unaccounted individuals, alongside a separate construction collapse in Thailand. Rescue operations are ongoing, highlighting the urgency and despair faced by many families affected.

On Friday, Myanmar was struck by a devastating earthquake, resulting in over 2,000 confirmed fatalities, according to military reports as of Monday. The military spokesperson indicated that the death toll stands at 2,056, with approximately 3,900 people injured and 270 individuals unaccounted for. As officials emphasize the critical 72-hour window for rescue operations, efforts are intensifying in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, where many remain trapped beneath rubble.

The damage observed in Mandalay is extensive, with significant destruction visible in a large condominium building, where a Japanese resident is reported missing. The Japanese Foreign Ministry suspects involvement of this person in the quake’s events. Comparable destruction has also impacted other regions like Naypiytaw and Sagaing, prompting rescue missions to uncover any survivors still trapped inside collapsed structures.

In a related incident in Bangkok, Thailand, a high-rise construction site tragically collapsed, claiming at least 11 lives, while over 70 individuals are reported missing. Families of the missing victims in Thailand are grappling with their anguish and uncertainty, yet some continue to harbor hope for the possibility of survival. Authorities in Thailand have committed to ongoing rescue efforts, emphasizing their dedication to locating potential survivors.

The earthquake in Myanmar has led to a catastrophic loss of life and extensive structural damage. Rescue operations are urgent, particularly in Mandalay, where many remain trapped. Concurrently, a construction accident in Thailand has exacerbated the situation, with many facing uncertainty. Despite the grim circumstances, both countries continue to prioritize rescue efforts and maintain hope for survivors.

Original Source: www3.nhk.or.jp