Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar: Desperation and Ongoing Bombardments Amidst Ruins

Rescue teams are desperately searching through the rubble for survivors in Myanmar following a deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country, leaving over 1,700 dead. Mandalay and surrounding cities appear flattened, with experts fearing the actual death toll could exceed 10,000 after weeks of assessments. The massive 1,200-kilometer fault line responsible for the quake runs beneath several cities. As of now, official reports confirm 1,700 fatalities and more than 300 missing. Extensive damage has been reported across much of Myanmar, with numerous buildings and bridges collapsing. Similar scenes have emerged in Bangkok, where authorities are trying to rescue dozens believed trapped under the debris of an unfinished high-rise building. The epicenter was recorded in the central Sagaing region near the former royal capital of Mandalay, home to approximately 1.5 million people, including many historical temple complexes and palaces. Many cities and villages remain without power or water due to the collapse of the country’s main Irrawaddy River bridge. Meanwhile, international rescue teams have begun arriving in Myanmar as the military junta appeals for help. However, assistance is limited, and large machinery capable of aiding in the search for survivors is scarce. The situation worsens as the civil war continues. An armed group resisting Myanmar’s junta reported on Sunday that armed forces continue to bomb communities despite the devastation caused by the earthquake. The Karen National Union (KNU), one of Myanmar’s oldest insurgent organizations, stated in a release that the junta “continues aerial strikes targeting civilian areas even though the population is suffering immensely from the earthquake.” Instead of prioritizing relief operations, the army chooses to “deploy forces to attack its own people,” according to the KNU. A representative of the military regime contacted by Reuters refused to comment. Myanmar remains entrenched in the civil conflict sparked by mass protests against the February 1, 2021, coup when the military seized power, overthrowing the elected government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Hours after Friday’s devastating quake, aircraft and drones launched attacks in the Karen State near the KNU headquarters, according to an aid organization aligned with the opposition. Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan called for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery after a virtual meeting with ASEAN counterparts dedicated to the earthquake. Balakrishnan urged for an immediate and effective ceasefire in Myanmar to ease humanitarian aid deliveries and promote long-term national reconciliation for peace and reconstruction. While the quake’s epicenter was under military control, extensive material damage also affected areas controlled by various insurgent groups. On Saturday, the exiled National Unity Government, which includes elements of the ousted 2021 administration, announced that its opposition fighters would suspend offensive actions for two weeks. However, experts note that while some insurgent groups halted their operations, others continue hostilities, as does the regime with its airstrikes. Moreover, the army, typically involved in disaster relief efforts, is notably absent.