Myanmar quake death toll rises to 1,700 as rescuers dig for survivors

International aid and rescue teams are rushing to Myanmar as the death toll from Friday’s devastating M7.9 earthquake rises to 1,700, with 3,400 injured and over 300 missing. The disaster has caused severe shortages of food, electricity, and water, with officials warning that the toll may continue to climb.

China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia have sent aid and personnel, but damaged infrastructure has slowed relief efforts, leaving many affected areas still waiting for assistance. In Sagaing, 80% of buildings were damaged or destroyed, worsening humanitarian conditions.

Chinese rescue teams have recovered multiple survivors, including a child trapped for 60 hours. The IFRC has launched a $113.6 million appeal for emergency relief, while the WHO has declared the quake a top-level emergency, seeking $8 million to prevent disease outbreaks.

In Thailand, which was also impacted, 18 people died, 78 remain missing, and damage has been reported in 18 provinces, though the risk of aftershocks is decreasing.

Source – CGTN