Buildings across Myanmar remain unstable and continue to collapse five days after a catastrophic earthquake shook the country, significantly endangering rescue operations as workers strive to extract survivors from the wreckage.
The powerful 7.7-magnitude tremor has claimed over 2,700 lives, leaving thousands more wounded, according to reports from Myanmar’s military junta. Additionally, hundreds of individuals remain unaccounted for, indicating that the final death toll is likely to increase.
On Wednesday, Myanmar’s Fire Services Department released a remarkable video from the military capital, Naypyidaw, capturing the dramatic rescue of a man who had been trapped for more than 100 hours beneath the debris. The extraordinary moment brought a rare glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.
The survivor, appearing exhausted and disheveled, was pulled from a confined space between shattered concrete slabs, greeted by cheers and applause from rescuers.
A day prior, a 62-year-old woman was similarly rescued from beneath the ruins in Naypyidaw.
However, human rights organizations have warned that structurally compromised buildings continue to give way as aftershocks persist, further complicating rescue efforts.
On Monday night, two hotels near the epicenter in Mandalay collapsed after occupants had returned, believing the danger had subsided.
“With each subsequent tremor, casualties continue to rise,” stated Michael Dunford, Myanmar director at the United Nations World Food Programme.
“Many people are too frightened to return home and are instead sleeping in the streets or parks. Unfortunately, this is making it even more challenging for us to reach those in desperate need and provide essential aid.”
Humanitarian agencies continue to stress the urgent necessity for aid, particularly in Myanmar’s more isolated regions.
Even before the earthquake, four years of ongoing civil war had left millions without proper shelter, while healthcare and communication networks were already in disarray.
In the town of Sagaing, near the earthquake’s epicenter, residents describe heartbreaking scenes of desperation as they await vital medical supplies and food.
Amnesty International interviewed three residents who emphasized the increasing demand for body bags, flashlights, and mosquito-repellent coils. They also reported that the military, which maintains control over the town, has implemented “strict surveillance” on light vehicles entering Sagaing from Mandalay.
“Soldiers are closely inspecting supply deliveries, and inspections take significantly longer if vehicles originate from other parts of Sagaing with known resistance group connections,” Amnesty stated.
Myanmar’s ruling junta took control in 2021 after ousting the democratically elected government, leading to a brutal civil conflict between the military and ethnic rebel factions.
Despite the junta’s assurances that it is allowing aid efforts, human rights groups have condemned its restrictions on access to certain affected regions.
“The junta must abandon its appalling past behavior and ensure that urgent humanitarian relief reaches those in peril in earthquake-stricken areas without delay,” urged Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
On Tuesday, Amnesty International also called upon Myanmar’s military to “cease deliberate airstrikes and other forms of attacks on civilian areas” affected by the disaster.
In response, a major rebel alliance within Myanmar has declared a temporary ceasefire to facilitate rescue and relief operations.
“Our foremost wish is for swift and effective humanitarian assistance to reach those in dire need following this catastrophe,” declared the Three Brotherhood Alliance, composed of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, the Kokang’s Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Arakan Army, in a joint statement issued on Tuesday.
International relief teams, including those from China, Russia, and Pakistan, are actively assisting in Myanmar’s rescue efforts. Additionally, two Indian naval vessels arrived in Yangon on Tuesday morning, bringing humanitarian aid, food, and emergency supplies.
However, humanitarian organizations caution that chronic underfunding has severely hampered relief operations, necessitating a more robust international response.
“This is the moment for the global community to step up and stand by the people of Myanmar,” emphasized Marcoluigi Corsi, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Myanmar, on Tuesday.
“We repeatedly hear that Myanmar is not considered a high priority among global crises. Yet, the humanitarian response here has been severely underfunded for years. As of four months into this year, less than 5% of the required $1.1 billion in humanitarian aid funding has been received.”
Friday’s devastating earthquake was felt even in neighboring Thailand, where at least 22 fatalities were reported in Bangkok.
Among the casualties, 15 people lost their lives when a high-rise under construction collapsed, according to official reports.
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