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Myanmar Struggles With Earthquake Aftermath as Aid Arrives
Foreign aid and rescue teams reached Myanmar on Sunday to support recovery efforts after a powerful earthquake left over 1,600 dead and caused widespread destruction. The 7.7-magnitude quake, one of the strongest in the country in a century, struck on Friday, resulting in 1,644 fatalities, 3,408 injuries, and 139 missing persons, according to the ruling military government.
Neighboring countries, including India, China, and Thailand, alongside Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia, have sent humanitarian aid, supplies, and emergency personnel. However, the disaster severely damaged Myanmar’s infrastructure—collapsing bridges, highways, airports, and railways—complicating relief operations in a nation already destabilized by ongoing civil conflict.
In severely affected areas, residents reported little to no government assistance, forcing them to rely on their own resources. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing emphasized the urgent need to restore transportation networks, including railway and airport repairs, to facilitate rescue efforts.
The U.S. Geological Service projected the death toll could exceed 10,000, with economic losses surpassing Myanmar’s annual output. Hospitals in central and northwestern regions, including Mandalay and Naypyitaw, are overwhelmed with casualties, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The tremors also impacted Thailand, where a partially constructed skyscraper collapsed, causing 17 deaths. Meanwhile, Myanmar’s political turmoil—intensified by the 2021 military coup—has exacerbated the crisis. The National Unity Government, representing the ousted administration, announced a temporary ceasefire, halting military operations for two weeks to focus on disaster relief.
Sagaing, near the quake’s epicenter, suffered severe devastation, leaving residents desperate for assistance.