The devastating earthquake in Myanmar has resulted in a tragic death toll that has risen to 3,471, according to reports from state media on Sunday. The powerful 7.7 magnitude quake struck on March 28, inflicting injuries on 4,671 individuals and leaving 214 people unaccounted for as of the latest updates on Saturday.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with local and international teams managing to save approximately 653 individuals trapped beneath collapsed structures. So far, 682 bodies have been recovered from the debris. The situation remains critical, particularly in the central city of Mandalay, which is close to the earthquake's epicenter. Tom Fletcher, the UN's chief aid official, visited affected areas and described the circumstances as "staggering." He urged the global community to offer support to the people of Myanmar during this challenging time.
The aftermath of the earthquake is exacerbated by unseasonal rains and extreme heat, raising concerns about potential outbreaks of diseases such as cholera among survivors who are forced to live in makeshift camps. Many residents have either lost their homes or are hesitant to return to buildings that are visibly damaged, leading them to sleep outdoors in tents.
On Saturday evening, Mandalay experienced about 45 minutes of heavy rain and strong winds, which severely impacted tent cities. According to Tun Tun, a program specialist with the UN Development Programme, the lack of adequate tarpaulins resulted in people and their belongings getting drenched. There are also fears that unstable buildings could collapse further, complicating recovery efforts.
Families are enduring the distressing reality of sleeping outside amidst the ruins of their homes, while the bodies of their loved ones are being retrieved from the rubble. Tom Fletcher expressed the urgent need for tents and assistance for survivors as they begin to rebuild their lives, emphasizing that coordinated efforts are essential to save more lives.
In response to the crisis, neighboring countries such as China, India, and various Southeast Asian nations have dispatched relief supplies and rescue teams over the past week to assist the approximately 28 million people affected in the quake-hit regions. Following a brief period of lighter rain on Sunday morning, temperatures are expected to soar to 37 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit), further complicating the situation.
The weather conditions are extreme, and aid experts warn that the combination of rain and heat significantly heightens the risk of disease outbreaks in the temporary shelters. Fletcher highlighted the urgent need for food, water, and repairs to power infrastructure in a video recorded in Mandalay.
Zainab Y.
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