NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar – Rescue efforts in Myanmar are ongoing following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country last week, despite the military junta's refusal to declare a truce. The death toll has risen to 2,886, with 4,639 injured and 373 missing, according to state-run television.
In a rare moment of hope, a 26-year-old hotel worker, Naing Lin Tun, was pulled alive from the rubble five days after the quake by a joint Burmese-Turkish rescue team. This remarkable rescue was facilitated by the use of an endoscopic camera to locate him, ensuring he was still breathing before extraction.
However, hopes of finding more survivors are dwindling as the window for rescue narrows. The earthquake has left thousands homeless and exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in a country grappling with ongoing civil conflict.
The United Nations has urged the military junta to cease hostilities with rebels to allow for more effective aid distribution, but reports indicate that the military has continued strikes despite the disaster. China, one of the few countries maintaining diplomatic ties with Myanmar, has provided financial aid and expressed concern over the safety of its rescue personnel and supplies.
Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has indicated that the death toll could exceed 3,000, with most of the missing presumed dead. The earthquake has severely damaged critical infrastructure, including health facilities, roads, and communication networks, complicating relief efforts.
As the monsoon season approaches, international aid groups are warning of an urgent need for food, water, and shelter to prevent further suffering among survivors. The World Health Organization (WHO) has activated an emergency response framework, releasing $5 million from its contingency fund to support lifesaving interventions.
Despite these challenges, the resilience of Myanmar's people remains evident. In Mandalay, once known as the "city of gold," residents are coping with the aftermath, describing scenes of despair and desperation as they face sleepless nights and dwindling resources.
The international community continues to call for increased humanitarian access and a temporary cessation of hostilities to facilitate relief efforts. As the situation unfolds, Myanmar's future remains uncertain, with the earthquake adding another layer of complexity to its ongoing political and humanitarian crises.