The aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar has left the streets filled with the smell of decaying bodies as locals engage in desperate efforts to clear rubble in hopes of finding survivors. This tragic event unfolded on Friday, when a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay during midday, resulting in the deaths of over 1,600 individuals and many more left buried under the debris.
The earthquake caused significant destruction, bringing down numerous buildings and damaging critical infrastructure, including the city's airport. With roads buckled and bridges downed, relief efforts have faced substantial challenges, especially given the ongoing civil war in the country. Local residents have taken the lead in the search for survivors, working tirelessly by hand and using shovels in extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit). Unfortunately, heavy machinery has been scarce, with only a few tracked excavators visible amid the chaotic rescue operations.
On Sunday afternoon, a 5.1 magnitude aftershock further complicated rescue efforts, prompting screams from those still on the streets. Many of the 1.5 million residents of Mandalay spent the night outdoors, either homeless due to the quake or fearful that aftershocks could cause additional collapses. As of now, reports indicate that 1,644 individuals have been confirmed dead in Myanmar and 3,408 injured, but many regions remain unreachable, complicating the overall assessment of the disaster's impact.
According to Cara Bragg, the manager of Catholic Relief Services in Yangon, the rescue efforts are primarily being conducted by local volunteers who are desperately trying to locate their loved ones. "It's mainly been local volunteers, local people who are just trying to find their loved ones," Bragg stated. As international aid begins to trickle in, hospitals are struggling to manage the influx of injured individuals, facing severe shortages of medical supplies and basic necessities like food and clean water.
In response to the disaster, foreign aid has started to arrive in Myanmar. Two Indian military transport aircraft landed late Saturday at Naypitaw, delivering a field hospital unit and personnel to assist in establishing a 60-bed emergency treatment center in Mandalay. Additionally, 17 Chinese cargo trucks laden with essential shelter and medical supplies are expected to reach Mandalay after enduring a challenging 650-kilometer journey from Yangon.
The window of opportunity to locate survivors is rapidly closing, as most rescues typically occur within the first 24 hours following a disaster. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has highlighted the extensive damage to health facilities and the dire shortage of medical supplies, including trauma kits and essential medications. Meanwhile, neighboring countries like China, Russia, and Malaysia have dispatched rescue teams and medical supplies to assist in the ongoing response efforts.
The earthquake's effects were felt beyond Myanmar, with at least 18 people reported dead in Thailand, where the quake caused a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok to collapse. Rescue operations in Thailand have been complicated by the widespread damage, further highlighting the earthquake's extensive impact across the region.
Rescue efforts in Myanmar are further complicated by the ongoing civil war, which has left many areas dangerous or inaccessible to aid groups. Since the military seized power from the elected government in 2021, armed resistance has escalated, displacing over 3 million people and leaving nearly 20 million in need of assistance. Aid workers are calling for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need.
In conclusion, as the situation in Mandalay continues to evolve, the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and support from the international community is clear. With countless lives at stake, immediate action is required to address both the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by this devastating earthquake.
