The February 2023 earthquake devastated the people of both Myanmar and Turkey. US Geological Service estimates that the death toll may reach over 10,000. Sagaing, the hardest-hit town near the quake’s epicenter, has been completely destroyed. While authorities and rescue teams continue to respond to this historic disaster, search and rescue operations continue in hard-hit regions. On Sunday, a 78-member strong Go Team from Singapore was deployed to Mandalay. They operated in tandem with human rescue dogs to locate living survivors stuck underneath rubble from fallen structures.
In the meantime, the humanitarian crisis continues to grow. Humanitarian agencies like ours are already warning that Myanmar just doesn’t have the capacity to cope with a disaster of this scale. The exiled government continues to strive for quality assistance in the areas it governs. At the same time, Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing surprisingly appealed for international assistance on Friday.
Since the coup began this weekend, Indian military aircraft have flown multiple missions into Myanmar, bringing humanitarian supplies and search-and-rescue teams to Naypyitaw. Though still on their way, one of several Chinese rescue teams has arrived, including one that traveled overland from Yunnan province. As rescue efforts continue, over a dozen people still lay buried under rubble where a 12-story skyscraper once stood.
“People are still stuck in the buildings, they can’t take people out.” – A resident who asked not to be named.
The earthquake struck a country still reeling from a four-year civil war. This chaos was set off by a military coup that took place in late 2021. Despite this unprecedented seismic calamity, military operations apparently resumed, with airstrikes carried out just a few hours after the quake struck. In a powerful gesture of unity, anti-junta resistance fighters declared a two-week temporary ceasefire in quake-affected regions starting on Sunday.
Win Lwin, a tea shop owner who got swept up in the mayhem, recounted his harrowing experience.
“About seven people died here” when the quake struck on Friday, he told AFP. “I’m looking for more bodies but I know there cannot be any survivors. We don’t know how many bodies there could be but we are looking.” – Win Lwin, tea shop owner.
The earthquake has since crumbled hundreds of buildings in devastated cities like Antakya. One firefighter on the scene described the aftermath as apocalyptic.
“What we are seeing here is widespread destruction – many buildings have collapsed into the ground,” – A firefighter (no name mentioned).
Though repairs like these are sorely needed across the country, many of the most affected areas are still waiting for help.
“We have received no aid, and there are no rescue workers in sight.” – A firefighter (no name mentioned).
Search and rescue is always dangerous work as many of the already collapsed buildings leave responders with additional collapse hazards.
“We have been approaching collapsed buildings, but some structures remain unstable while we work,” – A rescue worker (no name mentioned).
In Mandalay, aid efforts are ramping up as many more victims are believed to be still under rubble. The international response is a reminder of how desperately coordinated and freely given assistance and resources are needed in Myanmar. The Junta’s head has summoned all military and civilian health service providers to join forces.
“all military and civilian hospitals, as well as healthcare workers” to “work together in a coordinated and efficient manner” – Min Aung Hlaing, Junta chief.
Moreover, the deposed government-in-exile calls on both the military-run government and international organizations to work together to coordinate effective relief operations.
“collaborate with the UN and NGOs to ensure security, transportation, and the establishment of temporary rescue and medical camps” – The government in exile (no specific person mentioned).
In Bangkok, worries are mounting. A 12-story building collapse, compounded by the additional effects of the tremors, has caused 32 injuries and left 83 victims still missing.