Myanmar quake death toll passes 2,700
Rescue workers kept on searching for survivors of last week's Myanmar earthquake, four days on from a disaster which has killed more than 2,700 people.
Aid groups in Myanmar warned the window to find survivors was fast closing. One rescuer said they could smell decaying bodies under the rubble.
Rescue operations persist in Myanmar following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central regions four days ago. The disaster has resulted in over 2,700 confirmed fatalities and more than 4,500 injuries, with expectations that these numbers may rise as search efforts continue.
Amid the destruction, there have been remarkable rescues. In Naypyidaw, a 63-year-old woman was found alive after being trapped under rubble for 91 hours. Similarly, in Mandalay, rescuers saved four individuals, including a child and a pregnant woman, from a collapsed apartment complex.
However, the overall situation remains dire. The earthquake has severely damaged infrastructure, leaving many areas without electricity, water, and essential supplies. Survivors are enduring harsh conditions, exacerbated by ongoing aftershocks and limited access to medical care. The cities of Sagaing and Mandalay, near the epicenter, are particularly affected, with residents forced to live outdoors due to the destruction of their homes.
The existing civil conflict in Myanmar further complicates relief efforts. The military junta has been accused of obstructing humanitarian aid while continuing airstrikes in conflict zones.
International aid has begun to arrive, with countries such as China, India, and Russia sending relief materials and rescue teams. However, the distribution of aid is hampered by the ongoing conflict and damaged infrastructure. The United Nations and other agencies have highlighted urgent needs for clean water, food, medical supplies, and proper sanitation to prevent disease outbreaks.
