A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock, wreaked destruction and left a heavy death toll. The quake was felt across Myanmar and in neighbouring Thailand, collapsing buildings, damaging infrastructure and killing many. The earthquake has triggered international responses and domestic relief efforts.
Casualties, Injuries Reported in All Hit Areas
There are high numbers of casualties by the earthquake. Myanmar’s junta’s information team said over 1,000 had been killed and over 2,000 injured. The Naypyidaw hospital was swarmed with casualties, with many wounded arriving in waves. The hospital sustained damage, and its emergency department was especially hard hit. People were killed and injured when a high-rise building construction site collapsed in Bangkok, Thailand.
Impact on Infrastructure and Rescue Efforts
Infrastructure was also heavily damaged in the earthquake, including buildings that collapsed, roads that were damaged and a bridge that collapsed. But the destruction in Mandalay, Myanmar was reported to be far more widespread. The tremors also hit a dam that has raised fears over access for rescue workers. Rescue operations are underway to bring out those trapped under rubble and provide medical treatment to the injured. The scale of the disaster has made the work of rescue teams, particularly in remote areas, more difficult.
Global Solidarity and Humanitarian Aid
International assistance is being mobilised to help the affected areas. India activates “Operation Brahma”, air-lifts logistics to Myanmar; Malaysia also dispatches humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to Yangon Nations across the globe are sending aid in response to the earthquake.
Impact on Transportation and Public Utilities
The earthquake has disrupted transportation and public services in those areas. In Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, metro and light rail services were suspended temporarily, with some lines shut down for further checks. The quakes sent millions rushing out of malls and office buildings, and briefly closed public transportation in some areas. The effects on transport have hindered both population flows and aid delivery.
Humanitarian Appraisal and Global Support
This has now compounded as support from the international community is being mobilized to aid in the affected areas. India said it had launched “Operation Brahma” and aircraft were carrying relief materials to Myanmar. And Malaysia has announced that it will deploy a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief team to Yangon. Around the world, human rights organizations are coordinating their response to the disaster. The significant rush of people soon from neighbouring nations showcases how powerful outsiders can be in disaster resolution. Coalition partners have been delivering essential supplies, medical assistance, and logistical support to meet the immediate needs of affected populations. A United Nations data sharing platform for international coordinators of aid
Effect on Transportation and Public Services
The earthquake has interrupted transportation and public services in the affected areas. The regional metro and light rail in Bangkok, Thailand, were also suspended for a short period, with some lines still closed for inspection. The quake prompted evacuations of malls and office buildings, and some public transport was halted in parts of the region. The transport disruption has upset the movement of people and the delivery of aid. The abrupt halt of public transport systems created logistical headaches for commuters and emergency responders alike. The immediate repercussions of the quake on daily life were evident in the evacuation of public spaces and the cessation of services. The restoration of basic services is a fundamental component for the protection of the populations affected by the emergency.
