Rescuers to make superhuman efforts to retrieve trapped, even searching with bare hands under the ruins, left behind by the strong 7.7 Richter earthquake. According to the latest official data, the dead amount to 1,644.
At the same time, in the Mandalei area. “People are digging with their hands to remove the rubbish,” a citizen described a citizen in the BBC, demanding that his anonymity be preserved in fear of reprisals from the junta.
On Friday morning, the rescuers found under the debris a child whispering to thirst. “I gave the child a straw, so that the water could get through the ruins,” he said. “I hear voices call for help,” he added.
Efforts, however, do not stop with release. “We try to save as many as we can, but even when we manage to take them to the hospital, they can’t treat them. There is no electricity, there is no water, ”he said.
The problem is exacerbated by the great lack of fuel, which makes it impossible to operate water pumps and transport injured.
Under normal circumstances, according to him, many young people would help with rescues. But since the law was adopted in February 2024, many have either abandoned cities or have joined resistance groups. “If they come back, they will be arrested. So there aren’t many new hands to help, ”he explained.
Residents sleep on the streets
At the same time, as the night fell in Mandalei, the second largest city of Myanmar, the streets were filled with rough scenes and blankets. , fearing that their homes may no longer afford another earthquake.
“We are afraid that some weak buildings may collapse,” a citizen told the Guardian.
Obstacles to rescue attempts
Humanitarian companies in Myanmar are hampered by damaged infrastructure and damaged roads, the UN Humanitarian Coordination Office (OCHA) said today.
The 7.7 Richter earthquake that hit the country yesterday destroyed critical infrastructure, including central roads and bridges making humanitarian businesses difficult to access in the affected areas, the statement added.
At the same time, the earthquake report amounted to 1,644 dead and 3,408 injured, as the junta in power said today. At least 139 people are still considered missing, according to the same source. It is noted that ten people were killed, 42 were injured and 78 are considered missing in the capital of Thailand, Bangkok.
Tragedy in school with 12 children dead
At the West Mye Mye Kyi Kindergarten in Kyaukse, Mandalai province, 12 preschool children and their teacher were found dead under the ruins.
According to local authorities, over 50 children and six teachers were in the building at the time of collapse.
Humanitarian aid in numbers
announced the Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management.
Another group, from Yunnan province, also arrived in Yangon, the Myanmar Economic Center today, said Chinese state television CCTV.
The Chinese government will also provide the country’s emergency humanitarian aid of 100 million yuan (12.7m euros), the Chinese international aid has announced today.
US President Donald Trump pledged Friday that the United States will help Myanmar after the earthquake.
“This is a real disaster and we will help,” Trump told reporters from the Oval Office.
Hong Kong announced that it has today sent a group of 51 people, carrying 9 tonnes of equipment, including life detection devices and two rescue dogs.
India has sent a military plane carrying humanitarian aid to Myanmar, its foreign minister said today.
“A search and rescue team and a medical team also accompany this flight,” he said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation as it is evolving,” he added, promising further help.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry has announced that it will send humanitarian aid of $ 2 million “to support support and rescue efforts”.
Seoul said he could send additional assistance if the situation worsens.
The World Health Organization (which) has announced that it has activated the emergency response system and mobilized its Dubai Center to prepare supplies for the injured.
The WHO coordinates his response to the earthquake from his headquarters in Geneva because “we consider him a huge event,” spokesman Margaret Harris told reporters yesterday.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry today sent Tehran’s condolences to the peoples and governments of Myanmar and Thailand and expressed its readiness to contribute to the humanitarian effort.
“Foreign Ministry spokesman Emael Backai (…) announced that our country is ready to participate in relief and rescue operations,” according to a statement.
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry has also announced the mission of a assistance team to Myanmar, consisting of a commander and 49 rescuers “to support the ongoing humanitarian and assistance companies”.
Foreign Minister Mohammed Hassan said the ASEAN block, which is members of Myanmar and Thailand, “is ready to help” the two countries.
Indonesia’s President Prambovo Subiado expressed his condolences to Myanmar and Thailand.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of both countries in this difficult time,” the Indonesian leader wrote on X.
“Indonesia is ready to provide all the necessary support for reconstruction efforts in the affected areas,” he assured.
