Italian
The country devastated by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake: Mandalay among the most affected cities
THAILAND. Myanmar has been hit by a catastrophic earthquake that has caused over 1,000 deaths and thousands of injuries. Rescue teams are digging through the rubble in a desperate search for survivors, while the number of victims continues to rise.
The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7, had its epicenter northwest of the city of Sagaing, in the central region of Myanmar. Shortly after, another strong aftershock, with a magnitude of 6.7, further worsened the situation.
The damages are enormous: collapsed buildings, destroyed bridges, impassable roads. Particularly affected is Mandalay, the country’s second largest city, where the highest human losses are recorded.
A budget destined to rise
The authorities of Myanmar, led by the military junta, have confirmed that the number of casualties has reached 1,002, with 2,376 injured. However, the toll is still provisional and could increase in the coming days.
The situation is worsened by communication difficulties: many areas are isolated, and relief efforts struggle to reach the most affected areas.
In Thailand, the earthquake was distinctly felt, causing damage even in Bangkok. Thai authorities reported six deaths, 26 injuries, and 47 people missing, mainly due to the collapse of a skyscraper under construction near the Chatuchak market.
Myanmar in crisis: hospitals and rescue efforts are collapsing
In Myanmar, the healthcare system is on the brink. Some hospitals have been evacuated due to the fear of collapsing. In one of the most dramatic incidents, a woman gave birth outdoors after being evacuated. A surgeon had to finish an emergency operation outside the operating room.
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing civil conflict: following the military coup in 2021, the country has plunged into a political and humanitarian crisis that has weakened its disaster response capabilities.
For the first time, the junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has requested international assistance, marking an exception to Myanmar’s historical closure towards external support.
Pope Francis’s message
Pope Francis has expressed his deep sorrow for the devastation caused by the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. In a telegram sent to the civil and ecclesiastical authorities of the two countries, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pontiff has assured his prayers for the souls of the deceased and his spiritual closeness to the injured and displaced. The Pope has also directed a special thought to the rescuers involved in the emergency operations, invoking upon them the divine gifts of strength and perseverance.
International solidarity
Several countries have responded to Myanmar’s call:
- China: a team of 37 rescuers from Yunnan province arrived in Yangon with drones and tools for detecting survivors.
- Russia: two planes with 120 rescuers and humanitarian aid sent.
- India: deploy rescue teams, doctors, and emergency supplies.
- Malaysia: the arrival of 50 experts is expected to support interventions in the most devastated areas.
- United Nations: allocated 5 million dollars for initial humanitarian interventions.
- European Union and France: offer assistance.
- World Health Organization: preparation of supplies for trauma treatment.
Even Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his condolences and assured that Beijing is ready to support Myanmar in managing the emergency.
Mandalay: a Devastated City
Authorities in Myanmar have declared a state of emergency in six regions. In Mandalay, a city with over 1.7 million inhabitants, the earthquake has leveled entire neighborhoods.
According to residents, hospitals and rescue teams are overwhelmed by the emergency, and there is a lack of specialized personnel for rescue operations.
A country waiting for aid
As Myanmar faces one of the worst crises in its recent history, the population is dealing with devastation and the fear of new tremors.
Meanwhile, rescue teams continue to dig through the rubble in the hope of finding more survivors.
