Update on Missing Filipinos Following Strong Myanmar Earthquake that Killed Thousands of People
MYANMAR EARTHQUAKE – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed the death of one of four (4) missing Filipinos following the strong quake.
Last March 28, the central part of Myanmar was hit by a 7.7 magnitude quake that flattened several high-rise buildings in different areas in the country. It is one of the strongest quakes that hit the record of the nation.
The United States Geological Survey or the USGS located the epicenter of the quake at around 17.2 kilometers from the city of Mandalay, the second biggest city in the country. Around 1.5 million people are residing in the huge town.
The 7.7 magnitude Myanmar earthquake that hit with a depth of 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles had many people rushing out of the buildings and their homes for safety. It has turned a hospital in the country into a “mass casualty area” that left countless families grieving the loss of their loved ones.
Myanmar’s military Junta chief General Min Aung Hlaing called for help from any country amid the devastation caused by the powerful quake that brought tall buildings down to debris. The call for help was amid countless people asking assistance amid the limited manpower and machines to clear the debris.
United States President Donald Trump was one of the first state leaders to affirmed a response on the call of Myanmar for help. Several other nations also committed to send rescue teams, financial assistance, relief goods, and other forms of assistance for the country and the victims of the Myanmar earthquake.
From an initial count of 144, the Myanmar earthquake’s death toll has rapidly climbed to over 1,000 deaths amid the different nations send rescue teams to help the country in attending to those calling for rescue.
Many Filipinos are living and working in Myanmar. Four (4) Filipino individuals were previously reported missing following the strong quake that left many towns in the country in severe devastation. Recently, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed the death of one of the four (4) missing Filipinos.
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega told TeleRadyo Serbisyo that the remains of the Pinoy who died from Myanmar earthquake were retrieved Tuesday night. However, the remains were severely decomposed and bringing it home to the country may be difficult.
Based on the report, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was able to identify the victim through the passport and the tattoo of the victim. According to the Foreign Affairs Undersecretary, the remains of the deceased Pinoy could either be buried immediately in one of the Catholic cemeteries in the country or cremated.
In case the remains of the deceased OFW is buried in the cemetery, De Vega said that the bones could be retrieved years later. The DFA Official stressed that they are still coordinating with the family of the victim.
“Kinakausap namin ‘yung pamilya at tingnan natin kung ano pang assistance ang maibibigay natin. We want to respect them in this time of crisis pero parang alam na rin nila kasi matagal na rin,” he said.
Based on the report, the search operations for the three (3) missing Filipinos following the Myanmar earthquake are ongoing. De Vega stressed that they continue to work and “hope for the best for the remaining three Filipinos”.
More updates may be posted soon…