Following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar on March 28th, death and destruction overwhelm the nearby cities of Sagaing and Mandalay as rescue workers scramble to locate survivors and bury the dead.
The devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has resulted in widespread casualties and destruction. The natural disaster has claimed an estimated 2,700 lives, injuring more than 4,500 others. The earthquake severely damaged the country’s infrastructure, leading to the collapse of prominent structures like the Ava Bridge, further killing civilians. However, the earthquake’s effects extend beyond Myanmar and its nearby cities. Neighboring countries like China and Thailand have also felt the impact of the disaster as they tally their losses. Historically, this is not Myanmar’s first major earthquake. Due to the country’s positioning on the Saganing Fault (a major right-lateral fault that runs through central Myanmar), countless catastrophic earthquakes have occurred throughout history. The earthquake’s proximity to urban cities like Mandalay and Naypyidaw has further increased the loss of human life. It is abundantly clear that Myanmar has entered a time of humanitarian crisis as officials, volunteers, and citizens alike scramble to save those who have survived the disaster and retrieve those who have died.
Htet Wai, a member of the fire department in Myanmar, arrived in Mandalay on Sunday. He told Al Jazeera, “With this heat, I fear we will find more bodies than survivors. However, we will do our best to save as many lives as possible.” As days progress, it is clear that “This is beyond what we can handle alone.” With rubble and collapsed buildings still in place, “Htet Wai said the bodies of those who have died and are still trapped under buildings are decaying rapidly,” according to his interview with Al Jazeera. The military In Myanmar says the number of people killed has now risen to 2,056, with more than 3,000 injured. The destruction and loss of life in Myanmar and nearby cities is severe. In a statement to Al Jazeera, Mandalay resident Ko Lin Maw states that “the number of rescue workers is not enough to save victims.” Rescue workers and volunteers alike have shifted “from rescuing the living to retrieving and burying the dead,” according to Al Jazeera.
Following the earthquake in Myanmar, world leaders and non-governmental organizations have a moral obligation to take measures to aid those in need. Further measures are necessary to give support to people who have lost not only their homes but their loved ones as well. Firstly, nations with well-developed emergency response teams, like the United States, Japan, and Canada, should send aid to the areas deeply affected by the earthquake as soon as possible. Previously mentioned countries can send medical care and necessary supplies like food, water, and clothing to support those affected. Secondly, there should be a focus on long-term reconstruction and rebuilding. International financial organizations like the World Bank and IMF should offer debt relief and funding to support rebuilding areas affected by the earthquake. Furthermore, there should be an emphasis on creating well-built infrastructure to minimize future destruction. Thirdly, there should be a focus on improving a system that monitors earthquakes and implementing technology that can warn regions of the world about incoming natural disasters.
The earthquake in Myanmar has left behind a trail of death and destruction, with countless lives lost and many others displaced and trapped underneath rubble. Rescue workers on the scene face overwhelming hardship, struggling to provide aid and medical support to those in need. Members of the international community should act swiftly to support those on the ground by providing life-saving aid and training relief teams. Members of the international community have a moral obligation to support those affected by the earthquake in Myanmar, not just from the destruction but from the profound loss of lives.
