The death toll from the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 1,007, with 2,389 people injured and 30 still missing, according to the country’s military council.
The quake, which struck the Mandalay region the epicenter of the disaster has caused severe destruction, including the collapse of 1,591 houses.
In the aftermath, rescue operations remain urgent and desperate. In Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, rescue workers told the BBC, “We are digging people out with our bare hands,” highlighting the limited resources available for relief. Among the collapsed buildings in Kyaukse is the West Mye Mye Kyi pre-school, where the bodies of 12 children and a teacher have been recovered. Rescue teams fear more victims remain trapped, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that 50 children and six teachers are still missing.
In neighboring Thailand, at least 15 people are believed to be alive under the rubble of a collapsed high-rise building in Bangkok, while 100 others remain unaccounted for.
Myanmar’s military leadership has made a rare appeal for international aid, with China and India being the first countries to respond with assistance. Despite the crisis, the People’s Defense Force reports that airstrikes by the military continue, deepening the turmoil in the already war-torn country.
Rescue efforts are ongoing with support from the Kyaukse Dam administration, the Red Cross, and other social assistance groups as the region struggles to recover from one of the deadliest earthquakes in recent history.
