A powerful earthquake in Myanmar has already claimed over a thousand lives. However, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) predicts that the death toll could surpass 10,000.
On Friday, March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, devastating airports, bridges, and highways. The tremor also shook neighboring Thailand, causing extensive damage and casualties there as well.
The Myanmar military government reported on Saturday, March 29, that the death toll had risen to 1,002. The tremor was felt in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, where a 33-story under-construction skyscraper collapsed, killing at least nine people. Authorities report that 47 individuals, including Myanmar workers, are still missing beneath the rubble.
According to USGS modeling, the economic damage from the earthquake could exceed Myanmar’s annual GDP. The epicenter, Mandalay, experienced widespread destruction, with some areas catching fire.
Following an international plea for aid, Myanmar’s junta chief, General Min Aung Hlaing, visited the worst-hit region of Mandalay on Saturday. A government statement reported that he instructed officials to accelerate rescue efforts and provide emergency assistance.
Survivors in Mandalay resorted to digging through debris with their hands on Friday to rescue trapped individuals, as a lack of heavy machinery and government support forced them to take matters into their own hands.
This earthquake is one of the worst natural disasters Myanmar has faced in decades. The country, already ravaged by civil war, is facing economic collapse and widespread displacement.
Disaster management experts warn that collapsed infrastructure, damaged roads, and ongoing conflicts are severely hampering relief and rescue operations. International aid organizations have yet to provide full-scale assistance to affected areas.
The crisis in Myanmar is worsening daily. Experts fear that the death toll could rise rapidly due to hindered rescue operations and a collapsing healthcare system. Immediate international intervention is now a necessity.