Select Language:
Rescuers Race Against Time After Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar
In a heartbreaking scene, overwhelmed rescue workers in Myanmar’s second-largest city called for urgent assistance on Saturday as they desperately attempted to save hundreds trapped in buildings that collapsed during a powerful earthquake.
The 7.7-magnitude quake, which struck on Friday, caused widespread destruction in Mandalay, a cultural hub housing over 1.7 million residents. Streets bore the marks of the disaster, including a monastery’s clock tower that lay toppled, its hands forever frozen at 12:55 PM—the very moment the quake hit.
Among the most severely impacted sites was the Sky Villa Condominium, where more than 90 individuals are feared trapped beneath the rubble. The building, initially 12 stories tall, now stands reduced to just six, with chunks of its pastel green facade precariously resting on the debris below.
In a poignant sight, a woman’s arm and hair were visible from beneath the wreckage as rescue teams painstakingly navigated the debris, carefully removing rubble to reach those still caught inside.
Scattered across the site were remnants of daily life—a child’s plastic bunny toy, pieces of furniture, and a picture depicting New York’s skyline—evoking the harrowing reality of the disaster.
Amid the sorrow, a stunning moment of hope emerged when rescuers successfully pulled Phyu Lay Khaing from the rubble of the Sky Villa Condominium after she had been trapped for 30 hours. She was gently carried out on a stretcher and embraced by her husband, Ye Aung, before being rushed to the hospital.
"I didn’t think she would survive initially," Ye Aung recounted to AFP, his heart heavy as he awaited news of his wife. "I am relieved to hear she’s alive," he expressed, grateful for her rescue as they both worry about their two young sons, William, eight, and five-year-old Ethan.
"More Help is Needed"
Nearby, some residents sought refuge beneath the shade of trees, having spent the night there with only a few salvaged belongings—blankets and helmets—to keep warm. Unsung heroes in flip-flops and minimal protective gear continued to scour through the wreckage, calling out in hopes of hearing the faintest response from anyone still trapped.
"There are many victims in the condo apartments. We rescued over 100 people last night," one anonymous rescue worker informed AFP.
As night fell on Saturday, reporters witnessed numerous individuals preparing to sleep in the streets for a second consecutive night. Widespread power outages further complicated rescue operations, forcing emergency personnel to rely on portable generators.
After a grueling 24 hours of searching, many rescuers voiced their exhaustion and a pressing need for additional resources. "We have the manpower, but we lack vehicles. We’re using small trucks to transport bodies—10 to 20 at a time," one rescuer explained.
Though Myanmar is no stranger to earthquakes, the ferocity of Friday’s upheaval was unprecedented. Official reports indicate over 1,600 fatalities and 3,400 injuries, with the final toll expected to escalate as assessments continue.
"I was at home when the earthquake struck. It was terrifying," shared Ba Chit, a 55-year-old resident of Mandalay. "My family is safe, but I feel sorrow for those affected. It’s heartbreaking to witness such devastation."
The nation’s ability to respond to this tragedy is further complicated by the ongoing civil war, which ravaged its healthcare and emergency systems. In an unusual move, the ruling junta has called for international aid—an extraordinary shift, given their historical reluctance to accept foreign assistance after calamities.
"We need help. We are lacking in everything," implored Thar Aye, a 68-year-old resident. "It pains me to see this tragedy unfold. I’ve never witnessed anything like this before."
Add us on ChatGPT
Add us on Perplexity
