Myanmar quake: 1,644 dead, aid arrives; rebels halt fighting
Myanmar’s earthquake rescue efforts continued as the death toll rose to 1,644, with 3,408 injured and 139 missing. The 7.7-magnitude quake struck on Friday, causing widespread devastation. Survivors and rescuers, lacking heavy equipment, dug through debris with bare hands to find trapped victims.
The National Unity Government (NUG) announced a unilateral partial ceasefire to aid relief operations. The anti-junta People’s Defence Force (PDF) and ethnic armed groups, long opposed to the military, agreed to pause offensive attacks in quake-hit areas. The civil war, ongoing since the military coup in 2021, has complicated relief efforts.
The quake also impacted Thailand, where the death toll climbed to 17. Bangkok, home to 17 million people, felt strong tremors. A high-rise under construction collapsed near Chatuchak Market, killing several and leaving 83 unaccounted for.
The UK pledged £10 million ($12.9 million) in humanitarian aid. Development Minister Jennifer Chapman confirmed UK-backed partners were mobilizing emergency response teams. India launched Operation Brahma, deploying two C-17 aircraft with 118 medical personnel and 60 tons of relief supplies. A C-130 aircraft followed with additional rescue teams and aid.
China sent an 82-person rescue team and committed 100 million yuan ($13.8 million) in emergency aid, set to arrive Monday. Hong Kong deployed a 51-member crew with two search dogs and nine tons of equipment. Malaysia, the Philippines, and South Korea also sent assistance.
The UN warned of a severe shortage of medical supplies, including trauma kits, blood bags, and essential medicines. The World Health Organization (WHO) activated its Dubai logistics hub to dispatch emergency aid. The European Union pledged €2.5 million ($2.7 million) in initial assistance, while Ireland committed €6 million. New Zealand contributed NZ$2 million ($1.1 million) to the International Red Cross.
Damaged roads and power outages hampered relief efforts. The UN reported severe infrastructure damage on the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay expressway, forcing bus services to halt. Hospitals struggled to manage the influx of casualties. In Mandalay, collapsed buildings turned to rubble, while the historic Ava Bridge fell into the Irrawaddy River.
Myanmar’s exiled government vowed to work with the UN and NGOs to secure aid routes and set up temporary rescue camps. With ongoing destruction and missing persons, the death toll is expected to rise. Rescue workers continue battling time and limited resources to save lives in the disaster-stricken nation.
