Survivors Rescued as Myanmar Recovers from Catastrophic Earthquake

In the wake of a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Myanmar, rescue teams are pulling survivors from the rubble, while the death toll rises significantly. Despite ongoing search efforts, some areas remain inaccessible, and international aid begins to arrive, complicating the situation further as Myanmar's military junta continues its operations amid civil unrest.

Rescue operations in Myanmar are gaining momentum as more individuals are pulled from the rubble days after a severe 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck on Friday, resulting in at least 1,700 deaths across the nation. Four survivors were recently rescued from a collapsed school in the northern Sagaing region, where recovery efforts also uncovered a deceased body, as reported by Myanmar's fire service.

Efforts to locate the missing continue in both Myanmar and Thailand. In Bangkok, the earthquake's impact led to the collapse of a high-rise building under construction, claiming the lives of 18 individuals with 76 still unaccounted for. The epicenter of Friday's quake was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, affecting neighboring regions as well.

Rescue workers have faced challenges in reaching the hardest-hit areas, often relying on makeshift methods to dig survivors out by hand. Notably, a 36-hour rescue of an elderly woman trapped under rubble in a Nay Pyi Taw hospital showcased the ongoing efforts being made by local teams. On Sunday, another 29 individuals were freed from a collapsed apartment complex in Mandalay, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

This earthquake struck with a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), leading to stronger surface effects. A secondary tremor of 6.4 magnitude followed shortly after, compounding the damage. With aftershocks still being felt, including a magnitude-5.1 tremor recorded on Sunday, the risk remains high.

Thailand is also grappling with the aftermath of the earthquake. The collapse of a tower block in Bangkok has led to the involvement of rescue teams who have detected possible signs of life beneath the debris. However, concerns have emerged regarding construction integrity, with anomalies reported in some steel materials used in the building.

International assistance is increasingly pouring into Myanmar, including teams from China, Hong Kong, India, and various other nations. The UK has pledged £10 million in aid to support recovery efforts, emphasizing the dire need for assistance in the affected areas. As battles continue between pro-democracy groups and military forces in Myanmar, the complexities of recovery efforts are intensified.

With the looming onset of the monsoon season, fears of further displacement among survivors are high, following the severe flooding experienced in previous years. Humanitarian agencies are bracing for potential challenges as weather conditions change, with a representative from the International Rescue Committee stressing the need for immediate attention to infrastructure and sanitation in the wake of this natural disaster.