Foreign aid arrives in Myanmar as earthquake death toll rises

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake has struck Myanmar, killing over 1,600 people. Rescue teams are racing to help, but damaged infrastructure and ongoing conflict are slowing efforts. Meanwhile, a collapsed skyscraper in Thailand has left many trapped.

Foreign rescue teams and emergency supplies arrived in Myanmar on Sunday following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that has claimed over 1,600 lives. The disaster has left many near the epicentre struggling for help amid a shortage of rescue equipment.

The earthquake, one of Myanmar’s strongest in a century, struck on Friday, killing at least 1,644, injuring 3,408, and leaving 139 missing, according to the military government. Infrastructure damage has severely hampered humanitarian efforts, with bridges, highways, airports, and railways affected.

India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia have sent aid and rescue teams. However, widespread destruction and ongoing civil conflict have complicated relief efforts. Hospitals in central and northwestern Myanmar, including Mandalay and Naypyitaw, are overwhelmed, with the UN estimating the death toll could exceed 10,000.

In Thailand, the quake collapsed an under-construction skyscraper in Bangkok, killing 17 and trapping at least 78 people. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors using drones and sniffer dogs.

The opposition National Unity Government (NUG) has announced a two-week pause in military actions to focus on rescue efforts. Hard-hit areas like Sagaing remain without electricity or drinking water, and aid has struggled to reach survivors due to damaged transport links.

In Mandalay, many remain trapped under collapsed buildings, with limited heavy machinery available for rescues. Russian and Indian teams are en route, while Chinese, Thai, and Singaporean personnel are already assisting.

Rescue efforts also continue in Bangkok, where police commander Teerasak Thongmo stressed the urgency of finding survivors. Families of the missing wait in anguish, with many calling out for their loved ones.

Authorities continue to race against time to save lives in the wake of one of Southeast Asia’s deadliest earthquakes in decades.

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