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Rescue Efforts Intensify After Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar
A significant breakthrough in rescue operations emerged early Monday when a woman was saved after being trapped under the rubble of a hotel for nearly 60 hours following a catastrophic earthquake that struck Myanmar. This moment provided a rare glimmer of hope to rescue teams still tirelessly searching for survivors amid the widespread devastation.
In the aftermath of Friday’s earthquake, which has claimed more than 1,700 lives in Myanmar and at least 18 in neighboring Thailand, rescuers—including many volunteers lacking proper equipment—have worked around the clock to locate and extract individuals trapped beneath the debris. The full scope of the destruction is feared to be still unfolding, prompting dire assessments from organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross, which described the quake as the most destructive in Asia for over a century.
A video released showed onlookers applauding as rescue workers successfully extricated the woman from the wreckage of the Great Wall Hotel in Mandalay after an extensive five-hour operation. The Chinese embassy reported that she was in stable condition following her rescue. China is among several nations providing aid and support to bolster local efforts.
As efforts continued across central Myanmar, teams rushed to salvage lives from numerous collapsed structures, including homes, religious sites, and hospitals. At an apartment complex in Mandalay, rescuers faced a tragic situation when they freed a pregnant woman who had been trapped for two days; unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after her rescue. The fate of many others remains uncertain, as it is believed that numerous individuals are still caught beneath the 12-story building.
Additionally, in Bangkok, rescue operations targeting a collapsed 30-story construction site are ongoing, where 76 workers are thought to be trapped.
Despite the urgency of the situation, ongoing challenges hinder rescue efforts across central Myanmar. Many teams are lacking adequate gear, forcing them to rely on their bare hands in perilous conditions. Furthermore, infrastructure damage has led to power outages and impaired communication, hampering the efficiency of rescue operations.
The US Geological Survey has projected that the fatalities could exceed 10,000, and the total losses might surpass Myanmar’s annual economic output, underscoring the devastating impact of the earthquake on an already fragile nation.
In a rare appeal for international assistance, Myanmar’s military junta has welcomed external aid, leading to a response from allies such as China and Russia, who have dispatched personnel and materials. Countries like India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore are also providing support. Concurrently, the United States has announced a pledge of $2 million in humanitarian aid through local organizations and is sending an emergency response team from USAID.
Before this disaster, Myanmar was grappling with an escalating humanitarian crisis stemming from ongoing conflicts after the military coup in 2021. The junta, facing armed resistance from civilians and ethnic organizations, has lost substantial territory and has been conducting airstrikes against opposition forces, even in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Rights advocates have emphasized the necessity of ensuring aid reaches community-based groups or the National Unity Government, formed by lawmakers and activists opposing the military regime. “The junta is notorious for weaponizing aid, and airstrikes occurred immediately after the quake,” remarked Debbie Stothard, founder of Altsean-Burma, a rights organization coalition in Southeast Asia. She warned that sending aid directly to the junta could exacerbate the situation.
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