Myanmar earthquake: Death toll surpasses 2,000, national mourning declared

KATHMANDU: The government of Myanmar has declared a national mourning period for one week following a catastrophic earthquake that struck the country on Friday.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake has claimed the lives of 2,056 people, with more than 3,900 others injured.

The number of missing persons has risen to 270, and authorities fear the death toll will continue to climb.

In response to the tragedy, the government has decided to lower the national flag to half-mast until April 6.

Mandalay: The Epicenter of Destruction

Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, is among the hardest-hit areas. Thousands of people have been forced to spend the night on the streets for three consecutive days. Some cannot return to their homes due to damage, while others remain outdoors out of fear of aftershocks. While a few individuals have tents, many are left to sleep on the streets with makeshift bedding.

The main hospital in Mandalay has been severely damaged, leaving doctors to treat patients outdoors. The parking lot of the hospital has been transformed into an emergency care site, with patients being treated in tents. The extreme heat has further complicated efforts to provide adequate medical care. Health workers, though working with limited resources, are doing their best to help the injured.

Widespread Impact Beyond Myanmar

The earthquake’s effects have not been confined to Myanmar alone. Neighboring countries have also felt the impact. In Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, a 30-story building collapsed due to the tremors, killing 19 people. Among the dead are three Chinese nationals and two French citizens.

International Aid and Appeal for Support

Myanmar, already suffering from a prolonged civil war, has seen its economy and healthcare system devastated. The government has requested international assistance, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an emergency, estimating that $800,000 in aid will be needed over the next 30 days. The Red Cross has also issued an appeal for over $100 million in relief efforts.

Countries including China, Russia, and India have begun sending aid, but amid the ongoing crisis, Myanmar’s military government continues airstrikes against opposition groups. A report from an ethnic armed group claims that seven fighters were killed in airstrikes following the earthquake.

Search and Rescue Efforts Continue

In Thailand, rescue teams are still searching for survivors trapped under the rubble. Seventy-five people remain missing in Bangkok, and rescuers have stated that the chances of finding survivors are slim.

As the nation reels from the devastating earthquake, global solidarity and support are vital in helping Myanmar recover from this unparalleled disaster.