Update on Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll amid Ongoing Search Operations
MYANMAR EARTHQUAKE DEATH TOLL – Amid the international assistance for search operations, the number of casualties due to the quake has significantly increased.
The world was shocked and saddened by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that jolted central Myanmar yesterday. Several regions in Myanmar and Thailand felt the strong shaking that flattened tall buildings and took lives.
According to the United States Geological Survey or the USGS, the epicenter of the strong quake was located at around 17.2 kilometers from the city of Mandalay. It is the second biggest city in Myanmar with over 1.5 million residents.
The 7.7 magnitude quake that hit Myanmar had a depth of 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles. Several tall infrastructures were brought down by the natural calamity and had thousands of people rushing to the streets for their survival.
Following the strong quake that left several regions in Myanmar in great devastation, the country’s military Junta’s chief General Min Aung Hlaing appealed for international help including assistance and donations from “any country”. Rescue workers claimed that many are calling for their help but they have limited manpower and machines to clear the debris.
A rescue worker from Amarapura, an ancient city in Myanmar, said that 30 bodies were found from a collapsed multi-story apartment blocks. He likened his city into a collapsed town following the strong quake that flattened the buildings.
Following the call of Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing appealing for help due to the Myanmar earthquake, United States President Donald Trump is one of those who committed to help the devastated nation.
Based on a report on GMA News, foreign rescue teams from other countries have started flying to Myanmar to help in the search operations. China has also sent rescue teams in Yangon, the commercial capital of the country.
India, Malaysia, Russia, and Singapore sent relief supplies and personnel to the affected country. Based on the report, as for South Korea, it committed to give an initial of $2 million in humanitarian aid to the affected country through the international organizations.
From an initial record of 144 deaths due to the earthquake that hit the country, the Myanmar earthquake death toll has rose to 1,002 amid the international aid. Based on the report, 9 casualties have been recorded in Thailand. In Bangkok, the quake brought a skyscraper under construction down resulting to 30 people being trapped and 49 others missing.
“Search and rescue operations are currently being carried out in the affected areas,” Myanmar’s military Junta said.
More updates may be posted soon…