Myanmar is experiencing one of the most devastating earthquakes in recent decades, with the death toll rising sharply. On Sunday, the country’s military junta reported that 1,700 people have died due to the earthquake, which struck with a magnitude of 7.7. The International Red Cross has stated that a humanitarian crisis has emerged in the aftermath of the earthquake, with the demand for assistance increasing every hour.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday is one of the most powerful in the last century. The quake has caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, highways, bridges, airports, and railways across much of the country. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar has also made rescue operations extremely difficult.
The regional director of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Alexander Matthew, stated in a statement, “This is not just a disaster; it is a complex humanitarian crisis.” He added, “The scale of this catastrophe is immense, and urgent assistance is required.”
The poverty-stricken country is struggling to cope with this natural disaster. In this context, Myanmar’s military junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has called for international assistance.
In response to Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis, neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, India, and China, among others, have deployed rescue teams with food, medicine, and other emergency aid. On Sunday, rescue teams from various countries began arriving in Myanmar, according to the Red Cross. Volunteers have been providing first aid and distributing blankets, tarpaulins, and other essential supplies to the affected people.
The Red Cross in Myanmar stated, “The scale of destruction is vast, and the demand for humanitarian aid is increasing every hour.”
In light of the extensive damage, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has appealed for $113 million in emergency aid to assist nearly 100,000 people in Myanmar with life-saving relief and initial recovery efforts.