In earthquake-hit Myanmar, its military chief has said that the death toll has risen to more than 1700. As per the media reports, the death toll may rise further as many of those trapped under debris haven’t received help yet. Due to a lack of resources, broken communication channels and civil conflict, rescue workers are forced to clear the rubble by hand in the hope of finding someone still alive. The rescue work has been primarily conducted by the local residents without the aid of heavy equipment.
Meanwhile, a fresh earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.1, has been recorded near Mandalay, the country’s second largest city and epicenter of Friday’s 7.7 magnitude devastating earthquake. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage from the aftershock.
In civil war torn Myanmar, amid the tragedy, the military junta has continued to bomb parts of the country. The UN has described the attacks as completely outrageous and unacceptable. However, the military rulers has allowed hundreds of foreign rescue personnel to work in quake hit areas while the National Unity Government which is in exile – announced a two-week pause in offensive military operations in areas affected by the earthquake.
In Thailand, rescuers are working to find those trapped under rubble at the site of a collapsed high-rise in Bangkok, as the death toll across the city has risen to 17 with 83 people missing.
The UN has said that a severe shortage of medical supplies is hampering the response to the disaster, as the search for survivors continues in Myanmar and Thailand.