Humanitarian aid and rescue efforts underway following Myanmar earthquake

Mar 29

Diane Duenez Weekend Managing Editor

By Diane Duenez (Weekend Managing Editor)

The death toll in Myanmar has reached 1,644 following a 7.7 earthquake that struck the country Friday. USGS estimates suggest the death toll could potentially exceed 10,000.
Humanitarian aid and relief efforts are underway, with substantial contributions from countries including China, the United States, India, Russia, Malaysia and Singapore.
Meanwhile, efforts to locate survivors and bodies are ongoing in Bangkok, about 600 miles from the epicenter, using all available resources including excavators, drones, and search-and-rescue dogs.

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The death toll has reached 1,644 in Myanmar following a 7.7 earthquake that struck the country Friday, March 29. The United States Geological Service (USGS) predicts that number could exceed 10,000.

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Reports initially show at least 2,900 buildings, 30 roads and seven bridges have been damaged by the quake. Airports in both Naypyitaw, Myanmar’s capital, and Mandalay, its second-largest city, are closed.

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Humanitarian aid expected by Sunday

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) told Reuters that humanitarian operations in Myanmar have been hindered by damaged roads and infrastructure. Hospitals in central and northwestern Myanmar are struggling to cope with the influx of injured people. Seventeen cargo trucks carrying shelter and medical supplies are due to arrive on March 30 to address current shortages of medicines including blood bags and anesthetics.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Beijing would provide $13.77 million worth of aid, including tents, blankets and emergency medical kits. The United States has also pledged assistance.

Relief supplies from India on a military aircraft have landed in Yangon, according to Myanmar state media, and India’s government said it is dispatching ships with 40 tons of humanitarian aid. Russia, Malaysia and Singapore are also sending planes loaded with relief supplies and personnel.

Tower collapses in Bangkok

About 600 miles away from the epicenter, in Bangkok, authorities are continuing efforts to find construction workers trapped under the rubble of a collapsed tower, using excavators, drones and search-and-rescue dogs. Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said all possible resources have been deployed to locate survivors and retrieve the bodies of the deceased.

Tags: Earthquakes, Myanmar, natural disaster