A devastating earthquake in Myanmar is expected to result in over 3,000 deaths and has led to a humanitarian crisis worsened by an ongoing civil war. Despite fading hopes for more survivors, rescue efforts have yielded remarkable rescues. U.N. officials report critical shortages of essential resources, stressing the urgent need for international aid while highlighting the ongoing conflict’s impact on relief efforts.
On Tuesday, rescue workers successfully saved a 63-year-old woman from the rubble in Myanmar’s capital following a devastating earthquake that has resulted in a death toll exceeding 2,000, with projections suggesting it may surpass 3,000. The military’s ruling leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, reported over 441 individuals are still unaccounted for since the earthquake struck with a magnitude of 7.7, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing civil unrest.
United Nations officials have warned that the possibility of discovering more survivors is rapidly decreasing. Marcoluigi Corsi, the U.N.’s Humanitarian Coordinator for Myanmar, noted that vital resources such as shelter, clean water, and healthcare are critically low. UNICEF’s Julia Rees emphasized the urgency of addressing the rising needs, stating, “The needs are massive, and they are rising by the hour,” as families are increasingly facing shortages of essentials.
The World Health Organization reported severe destruction, with over 10,000 buildings either collapsed or heavily damaged across central and northwest Myanmar. Neighboring Thailand also felt the tremors, resulting in a collapsed construction site that killed 20 workers, prompting investigations into the possible causes of the building’s failure. Notably, efforts to rescue trapped individuals were briefly paused for a moment of silence in memory of the deceased.
Amid these tragic circumstances, miraculous rescues continue; the Naypyitaw fire department successfully rescued a 63-year-old woman who had been trapped for 91 hours. In Mandalay, authorities reported rescuing 403 people and discovering 259 bodies thus far, with many still buried in collapsed buildings, including a monastery where 50 Buddhist monks lost their lives during the quake. While foreign aid teams are slowly arriving, the overall rescue operation faces significant challenges due to a lack of heavy machinery.
International assistance is being mobilized, with pledges of financial support from various nations to aid the ongoing humanitarian response. Nevertheless, U.N. agencies are sounding alarms regarding potential cholera outbreaks stemming from drinking water shortages, alongside concerns regarding medical care access for millions in the region.
Notably, the earthquake has exacerbated the consequences of an ongoing civil war, leaving over 3 million displaced individuals and nearly 20 million relying on aid before the disaster struck. The military’s takeover in 2021 catalyzed an armed resistance, leading to dangerous conditions which hinder accessibility for aid organizations even prior to the quake. Despite the ongoing conflict, opposition groups like the National Unity Government have called for a ceasefire and urged international attention to prevent the military from obstructing humanitarian aid, claiming a “race against time to save lives.”
The current situation is grave, necessitating immediate action to ensure the safe delivery of aid without further military interference. While prior instances have demonstrated the military’s reluctance to accept outside help, recent statements from General Min Aung Hlaing suggest a willingness to collaborate with international assistance following the disaster.
In summation, the recent earthquake in Myanmar has resulted in tragic loss of life and intensified an existing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by a civil war. Despite dwindling chances of finding survivors, remarkable rescues provide a glimmer of hope amidst despair. It is imperative for the international community to remain vigilant and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without obstruction from military forces, as millions are at risk of cholera and other health crises.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
