UN Issues Urgent Alert as Time Runs Out to Rescue Myanmar Earthquake Survivors; Death Toll Nears 3,000

In Myanmar, aid organizations are reporting harrowing conditions in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that has claimed over 2,700 lives. The urgency for food, water, and shelter is palpable, with warnings that the opportunity to rescue survivors is quickly slipping away.

Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar’s military government, addressed the nation in a televised speech, stating that the death toll from the 7.7 magnitude quake, which struck on Friday, is anticipated to surpass 3,000. As of today, the death toll stands at 2,719, with 4,521 individuals injured and 441 still unaccounted for.

This earthquake, the most potent to hit Southeast Asia in more than a century, wreaked havoc across the region, causing ancient pagodas and modern infrastructure to crumble. Major cities like Mandalay and Naypyidaw—the latter constructed as a fortified capital—have suffered extensive damage.

Across the border in Thailand, the quake has also led to at least 21 fatalities, with hundreds of buildings affected. Rescue efforts continue in Bangkok, where a collapsed skyscraper remains a site of concern as teams search through the rubble, acutely aware that time is not on their side.

In Myanmar, UN agencies report that hospitals are overwhelmed, and the ongoing civil conflict is impeding rescue operations. Armed rebel groups are accusing the military of continuing airstrikes even after the earthquake. In a show of solidarity, a rebel alliance has declared a unilateral ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian relief efforts.

As aftershocks continue to shake the region, aid organizations are increasingly alarmed by the dire lack of food, water, and sanitation.

Buddhist monks and community members are coming together to clear debris at the damaged Thahtay Kyaung Monastery in Mandalay, embodying the resilience of the local population.

Julia Rees, representing UNICEF, recently visited one of the severely affected areas near the epicenter in central Myanmar. “Entire communities have been flattened, and the psychological impact is unimaginable,” she shared. “This crisis is evolving, and the need for immediate assistance is growing by the hour. The window for a life-saving response is rapidly closing.”

Civil War Complicating Relief Efforts

In Mandalay, reports indicate that 50 children and two teachers tragically lost their lives when their preschool collapsed during the earthquake. However, amidst the chaos, there are stories of hope; a 63-year-old woman was rescued after being trapped for 91 hours in Naypyidaw, thanks to coordinated efforts involving teams from India, China, and Russia.

The ongoing civil war, which began with the military coup in 2021, has exacerbated the challenges in reaching those in need. Rebel groups have raised concerns over military actions that undermine relief efforts. The Karen National Union has reported airstrikes in eastern regions during this critical time for humanitarian assistance.

The Three Brotherhood Alliance, comprised of three major rebel groups, has declared a one-month unilateral ceasefire to ensure that urgent humanitarian projects can be executed efficiently.

Amnesty International has urged the military government to allow humanitarian aid to access all areas, regardless of control. “Myanmar’s military has a history of blocking aid to regions where resistance is present,” stated Joe Freeman, a researcher with Amnesty. “Immediate, unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations is essential.”

In his address, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing acknowledged past oversights in construction quality, stating some buildings “were built cheaply, without adequate investment.” Whether he will attend an upcoming regional summit in Thailand remains unclear, but the government is prepared to accommodate the general through teleconference if necessary.

‘We Will Keep Going’

Rescue operations in Bangkok are ongoing, as teams continue their search for survivors in the remains of the collapsed skyscraper. Although four days have passed since the earthquake, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt noted, “We cannot say there is no hope. If there is structure, air, and no direct heat, there is a possibility.”

Multinational support has joined the rescue efforts, with teams from the US and Israel contributing to on-site operations as families await news of their loved ones. “The rescue teams are doing their best. I can see that,” shared 19-year-old Artithap Lalod, anxiously waiting for updates about his brother.

Initial investigations into the building collapse have revealed that some steel samples were substandard, prompting the Thai government to initiate a thorough inquiry into the incident. To date, 14 deaths have been confirmed at the collapsed site, alongside seven more fatalities in the city.

In these times of crisis, the resilient spirit of the affected communities and the dedicated response of humanitarian organizations are critical to navigating this unfolding disaster.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.