Myanmar’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake leaves 1,644 dead, 3,408 injured.
Rescue efforts struggle amid damaged infrastructure and civil war turmoil.
.jpg "Myanmar Earthquake Aftermath: Rescue Efforts Amid Rising Death Toll")
BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s ruling military
announced Saturday on state television that the death toll from Friday’s
devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake has risen to 1,644. The quake, which
struck near the country’s second-largest city, has also left 3,408 injured, with
139 people still missing.
Widespread Devastation and Rising Casualties
The latest casualty figures mark a sharp increase from the 1,002 deaths
reported just hours earlier, highlighting the challenge of confirming numbers
across the affected regions. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to pull bodies
from the rubble of collapsed buildings.
The hardest-hit cities include Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city,
and Naypyitaw, the capital. Despite international aid and specialized rescue
teams being flown in, damaged airport infrastructure is hampering efforts, with
some runways deemed unfit for landing planes.
Humanitarian Crisis Amid Civil War
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is already facing a prolonged civil war,
further complicating relief efforts. The conflict has created a humanitarian
crisis, making transportation across the country both dangerous and difficult.
As a result, fears persist that the death toll could rise even further in the
coming days.
Global Assistance and Recovery Efforts
With rescue operations ongoing, international organizations are urging
swift aid deployment to assist survivors and prevent further casualties. The
earthquake has left thousands homeless, adding to the already dire conditions
faced by Myanmar’s civilians due to the ongoing conflict.