Rescue Efforts Continue in Myanmar and Thailand After Earthquake, Death Toll May Exceed 2,000

Rescue Efforts Continue in Myanmar and Thailand After Earthquake, Death Toll May Exceed 2,000

Bangkok, March 31 – Three days after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake, rescue efforts continue in Myanmar and Thailand. Following the Saturday earthquake, rescuers have managed to rescue four people alive from the rubble in Mandalay, Myanmar, including a pregnant woman and a girl. According to China's Xinhua News Agency, Chinese rescuers pulled a survivor from the debris, wrapped in a thermal blanket.

In the central Myanmar city of Mandalay, life was detected among the rubble of several multi-story buildings. However, Myanmar’s ongoing civil war has complicated rescue efforts. Since the military coup in 2021, the country has been in a state of conflict, creating security issues for rescuers.

A rebel group in Myanmar reported that despite the earthquake, the military is still conducting airstrikes on villages. Singapore's foreign minister has called for an urgent ceasefire to facilitate rescue operations.

In Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, one body was recovered from the debris of a collapsed construction skyscraper, tragically bringing the death toll from the building collapse to 12. However, 75 people remain missing, and rescuers are working to find them.

Myanmar’s state media has reported that at least 1,700 people have been confirmed dead in the country. However, various reports indicate that the death toll could exceed 2,000. The United Nations has stated that they are sending expedited humanitarian assistance to the affected areas.

Neighboring countries of Myanmar, including China, India, and Thailand, have sent aid to assist with rescue operations, and the United States has pledged $2 million in humanitarian aid to Myanmar.

This earthquake has significantly increased the demand for humanitarian assistance for Myanmar's affected population, with key infrastructure such as bridges, railways, and airports severely damaged, further disrupting the country’s economy and healthcare system.