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Myanmar Earthquake: Over 1,000 Dead as the Hunt for Survivors Intensifies
The death toll from the earthquake, which measured a massive 7.7 on the Richter scale, was devastating for Myanmar as it left widespread destruction in its wake. Over 1,000 people were reported to have died; thousands of others were injured as rescue teams raced against time to find people alive under collapsed structures. A 6.7-magnitude aftershock followed the main tremor, worsening the already disastrous situation.
The quake’s epicenter was in the northwest Sagaing region, but tremors reverberated much farther, even to Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, where buildings, roads, and bridges were severely damaged.
Destruction and Damage in Affected Areas
Unprecedented natural calamities hit Myanmar with already-ongoing civil unrest owing to military rule. With healthcare systems in place unable to handle the enormous influx of injured, so many towns in Naypyidaw and Mandalay lay turned to ruins, with thousands more in search of shelter.
The Situation in Mandalay: A City in Ruins
With a population of over 1.7 million, Mandalay is among the areas hardest hit. Whole neighbourhoods are flattened. Rescue teams, including local volunteers, are frantically working to free survivors trapped beneath the rubble. Residents spoke of the city as a “collapsed town,” with an estimated 20% of buildings gone.
In Amarapura, Mandalay township, 30 corpses were pulled from the debris of multi-storeyed apartment buildings. Several hospitals are operating outdoors due to the risk of aftershocks.
International Aid and Relief Efforts
The junta in Myanmar approached international countries for the uncommon step of international assistance, given the level of the catastrophe. Military regimes in Myanmar have often spurned outside assistance in the past, even during the most devastating natural calamities. This time, however, help has begun flooding in from across the globe:
- India sent a search-and-rescue team with medical supplies.
- China sent a mobilization team consisting of seismic detection equipment, drones, and supplies.
- Russia deployed 120 rescue personnel and two aircraft with emergency supplies.
- The United Nations (UN) has already committed $5 million toward initial relief efforts.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) will mobilize medical supplies for trauma patients.
- The French and the European Union also made provisions for assistance in recovery and rebuilding.
Impact in Thailand
The earthquake’s tremors were felt as far away as Thailand, where a 30-story building in Bangkok collapsed. As per local authorities, six dead, 26 are injured, and 47 are missing, mostly from a construction site near the famous Chatuchak market of the city.
The authorities in Bangkok have countered this by sending out more than 100 engineers to assess damaged buildings and their safety.
Healthcare Services Under Pressure
Very much so-now with an influx of casualties, there is a strain on Myanmar’s already fragile healthcare system. A few hospitals have sustained damage or have been evacuated, thereby forcing doctors to treat patients outdoors. In one incident, a woman gave birth in an open field after being evacuated from a hospital.
In another case, a surgeon had to complete an emergency operation outside the hospital, demonstrating the dire circumstances in which healthcare professionals are working.
Myanmar’s Growing Crisis
The earthquake has not only caused a tragic loss of life but also exposed Myanmar’s lack of preparedness for natural disasters. Years of political instability and cuts to foreign aid programs have weakened the country’s ability to respond effectively to such crises.
The Trump administration’s cuts to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have further reduced the funding available for humanitarian programs in Myanmar, compounding the challenges faced by international organizations trying to assist.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed sorrow over the destruction and pledged to provide additional assistance to support relief efforts.
Emergency Declaration and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in the six worst-affected regions. Mandalay, in particular, has been devastated, with rescue teams struggling to manage the overwhelming number of casualties. Despite limited resources, local communities are coming together to help in any way they can.
Conclusion
This earthquake is one of the deadliest in Myanmar’s history, with over 1,000 deaths and counting. As international aid continues to arrive, the focus is now on rescue operations, providing medical care, and rebuilding the shattered communities.
FAQs
Q1. When did the earthquake hit Myanmar?
A1. The devastating earthquake struck northwest Myanmar on March 30, 2025, in the early afternoon.
Q2. What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
A2. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale, followed by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock.
Q3. Which areas were most affected?
A3. The worst-affected areas include Sagaing, Mandalay, and the capital, Naypyidaw.
Q4. Which countries have sent aid to Myanmar?
A4. Countries including India, China, Russia, France, and organizations like the United Nations (UN) and WHO have sent relief teams, medical supplies, and rescue workers to assist Myanmar.
Q5. Was Thailand also affected by the earthquake?
A5. Yes, the earthquake’s tremors were felt in Thailand, where a 30-story building collapsed in Bangkok, causing multiple deaths and injuries.
