Myanmar Earthquake Deaths Pass 3,000 as Rain Poses New Threat

Photo : Reuters

A very strong earthquake hit Myanmar last Friday, killing more than 3,000 people. It was one of the most powerful earthquakes in a hundred years in Southeast Asia. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake destroyed homes, buildings, and roads. Many people lost their families, food, water, and homes. Hundreds of people are still missing, and rescuers are trying hard to find them. But now, heavy rain is coming, making rescue work even harder.

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The earthquake happened in a big area where 28 million people live. The Myanmar embassy in Japan said that by Wednesday, 3,003 people had died, 4,515 were hurt, and 351 were missing. Many people are still trapped under fallen buildings. If the rain starts, people buried under the rubble may not survive. A rescue worker in Myanmar said that in places like Mandalay, if it rains, people under the debris may drown.

Many countries have sent help to Myanmar. So far, 53 airplanes have brought food, medicine, and other emergency supplies. Over 1,900 rescue workers from 15 countries, including China, India, and Russia, have arrived. But there is a big problem—Myanmar is also facing a civil war. Because of this, it is very hard to send help to some areas where people need it most.

On Wednesday, Myanmar’s military government said they would stop fighting for 20 days to allow rescue workers to help the people. But they also warned that if rebel groups attack, they will fight back. A day before, a rebel group also said they would stop fighting so that aid could reach the affected areas.

Even with this terrible disaster, Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is planning to leave the country on Thursday to attend a meeting in Thailand. Many people are upset that he is leaving at such a difficult time. Since the military took power in 2021, Myanmar has become isolated from other countries, and many world leaders refuse to work with its government.

The earthquake also affected Thailand. A building under construction in Bangkok collapsed because of the quake, killing 15 people. Rescuers are digging through the debris to find 72 missing people. So far, 22 people have died in Thailand because of the earthquake.

Myanmar is now in a very difficult situation. Rescuers and aid workers are doing their best to help, but with rain coming soon, time is running out. Many people are still trapped, hungry, and waiting for help. The next few days will be very important to save as many lives as possible.