Day after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, rescuers have been working tirelessly through the rubble with their bare hands, frantically searching for survivors in Mandalay, the country's second-largest city and the epicentre of the quake. At least 1000 people have been killed, according to a Myanmar military leader, with a US agency warning that the toll could exceed 10,000.
The quake was so powerful that even Bangkok, located 900 kilometres away, felt its impact, causing the collapse of several iconic structures and bridges.
Strong tremors were also felt in parts of India, including Meghalaya and Manipur, as well as in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram, and in China.
Myanmar's military junta on Friday declared that the death toll has jumped to 1000 while 1,670 have been injured after yesterday's earthquake.
Harrowing details of the devastation are emerging as survivors recount their tales of horror from yesterday's incident. One survivor from Myanmar told the BBC how he was pulled out of the rubble after the earthquake struck while he was in the washroom. As he and others rushed for shelter in another building, another earthquake hit, causing that building to collapse as well. He said his grandmother, aunt, and uncles are still missing, adding that their chances of survival are zero.
After PM Modi declared that India is ready to offer assistance, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar today said that India has sent 15 tonnes of relief material, including solar lamps, food packets and kitchen sets, to Myanmar on an IAF C 130 J aircraft. Calling it 'Operation Brahma,' Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "India acts as a First Responder to assist the people of Myanmar affected by yesterday's massive earthquake."
Following the earthquake, the Thai government declared a state of emergency in the capital, Bangkok. At least 10 people have died, and 100 construction workers went missing after an unfinished skyscraper collapsed in Bangkok on Friday.
Amid Donald Trump’s announcement of cuts to USAID, the US President vowed to send assistance to earthquake-hit Myanmar. The budget cuts have stalled humanitarian work worldwide. USAID has historically played a key role in disaster relief efforts.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) on Friday warned that the earthquake may have caused "high casualties and extensive damage," with the death toll potentially exceeding 10,000.
Myanmar, a country ravaged by years of civil war, is facing an acute power and water crisis following the earthquake. In a rare global appeal, Myanmar's junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has requested assistance.
"I would like to invite any country, any organisation, or anyone in Myanmar to come and help. Thank you," he said, adding that he has opened all doors for foreign aid.
China and Russia have already sent aid and rescue teams to Myanmar.
Experts pointed out that Myanmar is more prone to earthquakes as it sits on the active Sagaing fault line, which has a history of powerful quakes, including a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in 1946 and a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in 2012
Source: India Today
