Myanmar Hit by Devastating Earthquake, Over 1,000 Dead Feared, Critical Blood Shortage
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): On Friday, March 28, a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale hit Myanmar and Thailand, causing widespread destruction. The quake affected areas from Myanmar's Sagaing region to Thailand's capital, Bangkok, followed by another tremor of magnitude 7.0, worsening the crisis. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, but the situation remains dire, with rubble, collapsed roads, and fallen buildings everywhere. Initial estimates suggest the death toll could exceed 1,000, with thousands more injured. Hospitals are facing severe blood shortages, making it even harder to save lives. In Myanmar, the death toll has surpassed 150, and authorities fear that number could rise further.
The earthquake's impact was also felt in Thailand. In Bangkok, a construction site for a high-rise building collapsed, killing at least 10 people, injuring 16, and leaving 101 people missing.
In Myanmar, General Min Aung Hlaing, the country's military leader, reported that 144 people had died and 730 had been injured. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the death toll could exceed 1,000. The epicenter of the earthquake was near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, with a magnitude of 7.7. Several aftershocks of magnitude 6.4 followed. The devastation affected cities such as Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Yangon, causing significant damage to buildings, bridges, and roads. The historic Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River in Mandalay collapsed, severing an important link for locals. Cracks appeared in the streets of Naypyidaw, and many buildings collapsed. A mosque also fell, killing more than 20 people, with many still trapped under the debris. Viral videos on social media have shown the destruction of Mandalay’s temples and Buddhist sites. One local recalled, "We were praying when the ground began to shake. In seconds, everything was reduced to dust." Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and a critical shortage of blood is delaying medical treatments. Myanmar's military has declared a state of emergency in six states.
The Myanmar government has called for urgent blood donations in the affected regions. The United Nations has released $5 million for immediate relief efforts. Hospitals in both countries continue to receive more casualties. Over 730 people are reported injured in Myanmar, and hundreds more are hospitalized in Thailand. The blood shortage is severely hindering medical treatment. Local residents and volunteer organizations are stepping up to donate blood, but the supply is still insufficient. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured both countries of full support. The Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster aircraft is ready with relief supplies and medical teams. Modi expressed his concern on social media, stating, "I am deeply concerned about the situation caused by the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. I pray for the safety of all. India is ready to offer all possible assistance."
Rescue efforts are facing significant challenges, with bridges collapsing and dams bursting. Myanmar’s state newspaper, *Global New Light of Myanmar*, reported that many buildings collapsed in five cities, and two key bridges, including one on the vital highway between Mandalay and Yangon, fell. A famous monastery in Mandalay was also completely destroyed, with videos showing the sudden collapse of the multi-story 'Ma Soye Yane' monastery. Christian Aid, a humanitarian organization, reported that a dam burst due to the earthquake, causing water levels to rise in lower-lying areas.
In Thailand, a 33-story construction site in Bangkok collapsed, trapping several people under the debris. At least 43 people are still missing. Despite being nearly 1,000 kilometers from the earthquake's epicenter, the building collapse resulted in 10 deaths, 16 injuries, and 101 people unaccounted for. The incident triggered panic in Bangkok, with a viral video capturing the shocking scene of the building falling, as a large cloud of dust rose and people fled in fear. Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Surya Jangroongruangkit called the incident a "major tragedy" and assured that rescue efforts are ongoing. Additional social media videos showed water spilling out of swimming pools in high-rise buildings and trains shaking.
