Thar Nge found himself without time to process emotions as he led a volunteer team through the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Myanmar. The complex seismic event took almost 1,600 lives and injured more than 3,400, reported officials in Myanmar’s military junta. Despite the overwhelming destruction, government services have been criticized for their inaction, with many citizens relying on local volunteers for rescue efforts.
Thar Nge’s group focused their response on a few strategic areas where there was an immediate need to rescue people still alive under the rubble. They initially ended up at a downed silk and fabric store. They thought seven people were still buried under the rubble. Working quickly, the team next focused on a nearby restaurant, where they found six bodies in the rubble. From there, their search efforts took them to a tea shop, where they found two more bodies. They identified three other victims found at a close-by produce market.
Han Myo Aung, another volunteer, pointed out the overwhelming odds against which the rescue teams operated. The chances of finding survivors were fading with every hour as the residents continued to tunnel through the debris.
“We also need to demolish the buildings at risk of collapsing.” – Han Myo Aung
The earthquake’s devastation has left many children vulnerable, but amidst the chaos, Thar Nge’s team managed to save twelve children and four teachers. Thar Nge himself thankfully saved one girl. This workers act honors the long hours and hard work that these volunteers dedicate to respond with limited resources.
Search and rescue teams utilized diggers as much as they were able to. Due to the complexity of the wreckage, they were forced to rely entirely on manual tools.
“We were clearing the building using diggers and rescuing people with manual tools,” – Thar Nge
Volunteers such as Thar Nge and Han Myo Aung are saving thousands of lives through their important work. A monk in Mandalay has made an emergency appeal for more help. His plea featured body cam footage that clearly painted the picture of the chaotic scene. Concrete slabs, wooden beams, and metal bars still covered the area, a testament to the earthquake’s devastation.
In an unprecedented move, Myanmar’s military junta issued an appeal for foreign aid last Friday, acknowledging the dire need for external assistance in addressing the crisis. Frustration among residents is still evident at what many view as a lack of attention from the government.
“There’s no management or public statements from the authorities. Government services did nothing; they just patrolled around the town yesterday,” – a local man
Charity crews and young men of the locality have turned out readily. They are bonding together to conduct rescue operations. Thein Min Tun reinforced the need for these bottom-up efforts in the wake of immense destruction.
“Charity teams and youths are collaborating to do rescue works. Yesterday, incidents happened everywhere. We have to manage with the human resources we have,” – Thein Min Tun