Another 5.1 quake strikes Myanmar; Death toll rises to 1,700 amid desperate rescue efforts

A 5.1-magnitude aftershock struck near Mandalay on Saturday, adding to a series of tremors rattling central Myanmar, which has already been devastated by a massive earthquake. No immediate reports of casualties or significant damage were received from the aftershock.

Death toll and rescue efforts
The death toll from the primary earthquake that struck central Myanmar earlier has risen to 1,644, according to the country’s military leaders. Rescue workers are racing against time to locate survivors amid widespread destruction.

Meanwhile, Myanmar’s military junta has continued airstrikes in war-torn regions. According to BBC Burmese, an airstrike in Naungcho, northern Shan state, killed seven people just hours after the quake. The United Nations condemned the attacks, calling them “completely outrageous and unacceptable.”

Global assistance and foreign aid
International aid has started pouring in for Myanmar’s rescue and relief efforts:

· India launched Operation Brahma to aid rescue and relief work, pitching in with tonnes of ration, tents, medicines. Till now, India has provided 137 tonnes of aid via air sorties and naval ships.
· The UK Government pledged up to £10 million in humanitarian support.

· The United Nations announced a $5 million relief package.

· China sent food, blankets, and a team of rescuers equipped with drones.

Impact on Thailand
The powerful earthquake also sent tremors as far as Bangkok, Thailand, causing skyscrapers to collapse. Reports confirmed that at least 17 people were killed, and more than 83 individuals remain trapped under rubble in Thailand’s capital.

State of Emergency declared
In response to the catastrophe, both Myanmar and Thailand have declared a state of emergency. Rescue operations in Myanmar face significant hurdles, including damaged roads, collapsed bridges, and unreliable communication networks, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

Many affected regions remain inaccessible, according to reports from PTI.

USGS issues Red Alert
The US Geological Survey (USGS) issued a red alert for Myanmar’s earthquake, warning of “high casualties and extensive damage.” The death toll is projected to exceed 10,000, with economic losses potentially surpassing Myanmar’s annual GDP, according to Reuters.

Smell of death hangs over Mandalay
The aftermath of the disaster has left Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, in a state of despair. Reports from AP describe a strong stench of decaying bodies as rescuers dig through rubble in the hope of finding survivors.Myanmar’s military junta has officially requested international assistance for disaster relief and recovery efforts following the massive earthquake.

MT