In the aftermath of a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Thursday, rescue teams are working around the clock to search for survivors amid the devastation in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city and the epicenter of the disaster. The earthquake, one of the most severe to hit the region in recent history, has caused extensive structural damage, leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins and sending shockwaves across multiple countries in South and Southeast Asia.
According to a Myanmar military leader, at least 144 people have lost their lives due to the disaster. However, experts fear the number could be significantly higher. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued a grave warning, predicting that the death toll could surpass 10,000, given the extent of the destruction and the number of people still trapped under debris.
The earthquake’s force was so intense that tremors were felt as far as Bangkok—900 kilometers away—where buildings shook, and panic spread among residents. Several iconic structures and bridges in Myanmar have collapsed, exacerbating the scale of devastation. The quake also sent shockwaves into neighboring countries, with tremors reported in parts of India, particularly in Meghalaya and Manipur, as well as in Bangladesh, where cities like Dhaka and Chattogram experienced strong tremors. Additionally, parts of China also felt the seismic activity.
In response to the severe impact in Bangkok, the Thai government has declared a state of emergency in the capital. At least ten people have been confirmed dead, while around 100 construction workers are feared missing following the collapse of an unfinished skyscraper on Friday. Authorities have launched intensive rescue operations to locate those trapped in the wreckage.
As the international community reacts to the crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the situation and assured India’s full support in relief and rescue operations.
“Concerned by the situation in the wake of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, I have asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand,” PM Modi stated.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that India has dispatched the first tranche of emergency humanitarian aid to Myanmar. On Saturday, April 29, an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130J aircraft carrying 15 tonnes of relief materials, including solar lamps, food packets, and kitchen sets, departed for Myanmar.
The relief efforts underscore India’s commitment to assisting its neighboring countries in times of crisis. Given the large-scale damage and the potential for further aftershocks, rescue and rehabilitation efforts are expected to be long and challenging.
As rescue teams battle against time, hopes remain that more survivors will be pulled from the wreckage. However, with the destruction of key infrastructure and a mounting humanitarian crisis, Myanmar and its neighboring nations face a daunting recovery process. International aid agencies and governments worldwide are closely monitoring the situation, with additional relief efforts expected to be mobilised in the coming days.
Authorities in Myanmar have urged citizens to remain vigilant as aftershocks continue to shake the region, adding to the already precarious situation. Emergency responders continue to prioritise rescue operations while working to stabilize affected areas and provide essential relief to those displaced by the disaster.
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