At least 1,600 people have lost their lives and 3,400 have been injured by an earthquake size 7.7 degrees
Image: Rescuers in the under construction of a skyscraper that collapsed after the earthquake in Bangkok (source: AP/WASON WANICHAKORN)
Neighboring countries have today sent to the Myanmar warships and airplanes carrying essentials and rescue staff, as international assistance increases its rhythms after the strong earthquake that caused major catastrophes in most of this poor country.
At least 1,600 people have lost their lives and 3,400 have been injured by the 7.7 -magnitude earthquake on Friday, one of the most powerful in Myanmar for a century, according to the country’s military government.
“All military and political hospitals, as well as healthcares, must work together and effectively to ensure an effective medical response,” said Junta leader Mini Aung Hlating, according to state media.
Nightmarish forecasts
US USGS Geological Services forecasts estimate that the death toll can reach 10,000 and damage can exceed the country’s annual GDP.
The earthquake shook parts of neighboring Thailand, causing a skyscraper to collapse and killed 17 people in the capital, according to Thai authorities. At least 78 people remain trapped under the ruins of the building.
The worst natural disaster in Myanmar for years has destroyed critical infrastructure, including an airport, motorways and bridges, slowing humanitarian enterprises, according to the United Nations.
‘No help, no rescuer’
The earthquake struck a country already in chaos with a civil war that has escaped after the 2021 military coup that overturned the elected government of Nobel Prize -winning Aung like you and triggered armed uprising across the country.
Conflicts have hit the main rural economy of Myanmar, have led to the displacement of at least 3.5 million people and have dissolved necessary services, such as health.
The opposition government of national unity, which includes members of the previous government, said that its militias against the junta will stop all aggressive military actions for two weeks from today.
“The National Unity Government, along with the forces of resistance and cooperating civil society organizations, will conduct rescue operations,” he said in a statement.
In some of the most affected areas of the country, residents told Reuters that government support is minimal so far, so people have to go beyond themselves.
The entire city of Shangling, close to the focus of the earthquake, was destroyed, resident Han Zin said.
“What we see here is an extensive disaster. Many buildings have been leveled, “he said by phone, adding that most of the city remains without electricity after the earthquake and drinking water is over.
“We have not received any help, and we do not see any rescuers.”
On the other side of the Irauvan river, in Mandalei, a rescuer said that most businesses in the country’s second largest city are carried out by small, self -organized groups of residents who do not have the required equipment.
“We are approaching the collapsing buildings, but some structures remain unstable as we work,” he said, asking not to be named because of security concerns.
SOURCE: cnn.gr