Myanmar earthquake death toll mounts to 2,056; rescue efforts continue
PTC Web Desk: The death toll from Myanmar's devastating March 28 earthquake has climbed to 2,056, with over 3,900 persons injured and nearly 270 still missing, according to the ruling junta, as reported by AFP on Monday.
Rescue teams are racing against time, sifting through the debris of collapsed structures, as Myanmar observes a week-long national mourning for the victims of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake. A moment of hope emerged on Monday when a woman was rescued from the wreckage of the Great Wall Hotel in Mandalay, the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar confirmed on Facebook. She is reported to be in stable condition.
The powerful tremor struck near Mandalay, causing widespread destruction across Myanmar and damaging buildings in neighbouring Thailand, including Bangkok.
In Bangkok, Thai emergency teams have resumed their search for 76 missing persons trapped beneath the ruins of an under-construction skyscraper that collapsed. As the operation stretches into its third day, concerns grow that Thailand’s death toll—which stood at 18 on Sunday—could rise significantly.
Myanmar, already grappling with an ongoing civil war following the 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, now faces another humanitarian crisis. Several countries, including India, and global organisations like the United Nations (UN) have mobilised aid, sending emergency relief supplies to approximately 23,000 displaced survivors.
- With inputs from agencies
