Urgent Search for Survivors in Mandalay After Devastating Earthquake

Rescue operations in Mandalay, Myanmar, are underway following a significant earthquake, exacerbated by a state of emergency declared by the military junta. Volunteers are battling against time and limited resources to locate victims trapped in collapsed buildings, amidst fears of substantial casualties.

In Mandalay, the aftermath of a major earthquake that struck at 12:50 p.m. local time on Friday has left the community reeling, as volunteers and rescue workers scramble to save lives from the ruins of collapsed structures. The quake's destructive force has been felt across the region, rendering many buildings—including the iconic Maha Myat Muni Pagoda—uninhabitable.

Volunteer Thaw Zin described the situation, stating, “There are at least a hundred people still trapped inside,” as they worked in front of what was once a condominium. Access to critical resources and equipment has complicated efforts, particularly in a region already strained by the effects of a military government and persistent civil war.

The earthquake marks the third significant seismic event of this magnitude in the area within the last century, triggering a state of emergency across six regions, including those longer under rebel control where internet connectivity has been severely limited and the humanitarian situation is dire, impacting millions of displaced individuals.

Among the survivors, Su Wai Lin recounted her harrowing experience escaping the earthquake with her husband and mother-in-law. Her husband heroically returned to their building to save their 90-year-old neighbor, showcasing the strong community spirit in the face of adversity. As rescue teams comb through the wreckage and assess the damage, hope remains flickering for the possible survival of those still buried beneath the debris.