A powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar last Friday, leaving devastation in its wake and triggering a massive rescue effort in Mandalay. The historic city, home to over 1.7 million people, has seen many buildings collapse into dangerous piles of rubble.
Local and international rescue teams have worked tirelessly to extract survivors from the ruins, with authorities confirming that 403 people have been rescued and 259 bodies recovered. The quake, which has claimed 2,719 lives nationwide and injured 4,521 people, has left 441 individuals still missing. Neighboring Thailand also faced tragedy, with 19 confirmed deaths attributed to the tremor.
The devastation continues to impact daily life in Mandalay as the fear of aftershocks forces residents to seek safety outdoors. Many are sleeping in open spaces, while a 1,000-bed general hospital has had to move its patients to a car park, stacking gurneys under a thin tarpaulin to provide minimal relief from the tropical sun.
Relief organizations, including teams from the International Rescue Committee, emphasize the urgent need for medical care, drinking water, food, and temporary shelters. In response to the disaster, Myanmar's authorities have declared a week-long period of mourning, urging a pause in media broadcasts and inviting communities to gather in moments of prayer at temples and pagodas.
This unfolding crisis not only highlights the immense challenges faced by the affected communities but also exemplifies the resilience and solidarity of people working to rebuild amidst adversity.
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Over 400 people freed from rubble in Mandalay following Myanmar quake
cgtn.com
