Myanmar earthquake death toll soars, expected to reach 10,000, new figures on damage in Thailand

The death toll from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar rose to 1,644 on March 30, significantly higher than the previously announced figure of 1,002. The number of injured rose to 3,408, while the number of missing rose to 139. The US Geological Survey predicted that the number of casualties could reach 10,000.

Myanmar earthquake death toll soars, damage in Thailand. In this photo, a car passes a building shaken by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake. (Source: Reuters)

Rescuers are scrambling to find survivors in Myanmar after the largest earthquake in more than a century flattened buildings. The US Geological Survey estimates the death toll could be as high as 10,000. Efforts have been hampered by a lack of heavy machinery, according to CNN .

Rescue efforts have so far focused on the hard-hit major cities of the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city.

Although rescue teams and equipment have been brought in from other countries, they have been hampered by problems at airports. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press showed the quake toppled the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport, as if severed from its base. It was not immediately clear whether there were any casualties.

The United Nations has warned that relief efforts in Myanmar are being severely hampered by damaged roads and debris, as rescuers race to find survivors of the strongest earthquake in years.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the country is facing a severe shortage of medical supplies such as trauma kits, blood bags, anesthetics and support equipment. The health system, already under pressure, is facing further difficulties, especially in Mandalay, Magway, Naypyitaw and Sagaing – the hardest-hit areas.

In the south, the towns of Nyaungshwe, Kalaw and Pinlaung were severely damaged, leaving thousands sleeping outdoors due to damaged homes or fear of aftershocks. "Humanitarian assistance is urgently needed to support people in the disaster zone," OCHA stressed.

Providing relief has been made more difficult by disruptions to telecommunications and the internet. According to the latest reports, more than 1,200 homes, three schools, a hotel, several hospitals, major bridges, universities and religious buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

Myanmar has declared a state of emergency following the devastating earthquake, and called on organizations and countries to support people in the disaster area.

Vietnam sent 79 officers and soldiers to participate in earthquake relief in Myanmar on March 30. The work focused on ensuring logistics and technical support for search and rescue operations and providing aid; bringing relief forces, equipment and goods to the epicenter.

China dispatched its first international rescue team of 37 members to Myanmar on March 30. The team brought life detectors, earthquake warning systems, mobile satellites, drones and emergency relief supplies.

India has also deployed a 118-member medical team and a search and rescue team to Naypyitaw and Mandalay. Two ships carrying aid have departed and further shipments are being prepared.

Russia pledged to send planeloads of aid and personnel after President Vladimir Putin sent condolences to Myanmar's government.

The United States has vowed to provide assistance. President Donald Trump described the earthquake as “terrible” and said Washington was in contact with Myanmar to deploy aid.

In addition, the European Union pledged 2.5 million euros ($2.7 million) in emergency assistance, while South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore also contributed humanitarian aid.

*In Thailand, the death toll from the earthquake has risen to 10. The earthquake shook the Bangkok area - home to about 17 million people and many northern provinces. A high-rise building under construction near Chatuchak market in the capital collapsed, killing 9 people and leaving 78 missing.

Rescuers have deployed heavy equipment to search for those trapped, but hopes are fading. “I pray they are alive, but when I see this rubble… where could they be?” Naruemol Thonglek, 45, choked up as she waited for news of her husband and five Myanmar friends who worked at the collapsed building.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/number-of-human-trafficking-in-myanmar-is-increasing-unclear-as-expected-as-the-number-of-injured-people-in-the-thailand-309355.html