Fading Hopes for Survivors as Myanmar Earthquake Recovery Efforts Stall Three Days After Disaster

As hope dwindles for finding more survivors beneath the rubble in Mandalay, the situation is increasingly dire. Many residents have spent a third night exposed to the elements following a devastating earthquake that claimed the lives of at least 1,700 individuals across Myanmar and neighboring Thailand.

This morning, rescue operations in the bustling city of Mandalay, home to over 1.7 million people, show signs of slowing. Harsh conditions prevail, with temperatures soaring to around 40°C, making the already challenging task of recovery even more strenuous.

The intense heat not only exhausts rescue workers but also accelerates the decomposition of bodies, complicating identification efforts. The initial 7.7-magnitude quake struck near Mandalay on Friday afternoon, followed closely by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock that further rattled the region.

Heartbreaking Rescue Efforts

A poignant scene unfolded last night at a collapsed apartment block in Mandalay, as rescuers believed they had saved a pregnant woman trapped beneath the debris for over 55 hours. In a desperate attempt to free her, responders performed an amputation; however, she was sadly pronounced dead shortly after her rescue. One medical responder lamented, “We tried everything to save her, but she had lost too much blood from the amputation.” Such moments reflect the profound challenges faced by rescue teams in these critical situations.

This morning, amidst the destruction, Muslim worshipers gathered near a destroyed mosque for the first prayer of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. Concurrently, funerals for hundreds of victims are expected to take place today, marking a painful day of mourning.

Aftershocks Ignite Panic

Aftershocks continued to tremble through Mandalay over the weekend, leading residents to flee into the streets, creating multiple moments of panic throughout the city. Each tremor reminds the community of the ongoing uncertainty they face.

In response to the escalating crisis, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched an emergency appeal, seeking over $100 million (€92 million) in aid for the victims. They noted that “needs are growing by the hour” as rising temperatures and the looming monsoon season elevate the risk of “secondary crises.” Even before this catastrophe, the obstacles facing Myanmar—a nation of over 50 million—were immense, having been battered by four years of civil conflict originating from a military coup in 2021.

Tragedy compounded as reports of sporadic fighting surfaced even after the quake, with one rebel group claiming that seven of its fighters were killed in an aerial attack shortly following the tremors. Before the quake, approximately 3.5 million people were already displaced due to the raging civil war, many on the brink of hunger.

Collapse in Bangkok

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, approximately 1,000 kilometers away from Mandalay, a collapsed building under construction has claimed at least 18 lives, while 33 individuals have sustained injuries and 78 remain unaccounted for. Most victims were workers at the site, and fears run high that many may still be trapped beneath an immense mound of debris.

Rescue workers worked tirelessly over the weekend, employing heavy machinery to sift through the rubble. Family members, anxiously awaiting news, were smothered in a mix of hope and despair. Teams utilized sniffer dogs and thermal imaging drones to search for signs of life amid the collapsed structure situated near the bustling Chatuchak weekend market, a favorite among tourists.

The resilience of those affected stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming challenges they now face. As recovery efforts continue, it’s essential for aid organizations and local communities to come together and support one another in these trying times.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.