Myanmar pays tribute to earthquake victims as death toll surpasses 2,700

Authorities in Myanmar observed a moment of silence to honor the victims of a devastating earthquake that claimed over 2,700 lives, including 50 children at a preschool near Mandalay. The tragic earthquake, measuring 7.7 in magnitude, struck the country on Friday around lunchtime, marking the most powerful tremor in over a century and destroying both ancient and modern structures.

Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, stated that the death toll reached 2,719 and could surpass 3,000. Additionally, 4,521 people were injured, and 441 are still missing. In neighboring Thailand, at least 20 people were also killed.

In the hardest-hit city of Mandalay, sirens sounded precisely at 12:51 p.m. (06:21 GMT), the moment the earthquake struck, prompting residents to pause in remembrance. At the Sky Villa apartment complex, one of the worst-affected areas, rescue workers gathered to pay their respects, while the Myanmar flag flew at half-mast.

Many survivors, including children and babies, have sought refuge outdoors, with some using tents and others sleeping on blankets in the streets, fearful of further damage from aftershocks. Residents described a sense of insecurity, with collapsing buildings posing a constant threat.

Rescue efforts have continued, with authorities reporting the rescue of a 63-year-old woman from the rubble 91 hours after the earthquake. However, hopes of finding more survivors are fading. The ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar has further complicated the relief efforts, as the military’s control over certain regions has hindered the distribution of aid.

Reports from the region highlight severe shortages of basic necessities, including food, water, and electricity. Amnesty International has called on the military to allow unrestricted access for humanitarian organizations to assist affected communities.

The United Nations confirmed that among the casualties were 50 children and two teachers at a collapsed preschool near Mandalay. Additionally, around 500 Muslims were killed while praying in mosques during the quake.

As rescue operations continue, hopes of finding survivors grow slimmer. In Thailand, search teams are still working to locate any survivors in the wreckage of a collapsed skyscraper, though after four days, the likelihood of success is diminishing.