Lagatar24 Desk
Mandalay: The deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday has released energy equivalent to 334 atomic bombs, according to American geologist Jess Phoenix, who spoke to CNN. The catastrophic quake has claimed the lives of around 1,700 people, with thousands more injured or displaced as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.
Phoenix warned that the quake’s intensity and shallow depth—combined with Myanmar’s unstable geological positioning between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates—make it likely that aftershocks could continue for months.
However, the true scale of devastation is still emerging due to challenges in communication and logistics, exacerbated by Myanmar’s ongoing civil war. “What would normally be a difficult situation becomes almost impossible,” Phoenix said, referring to the limited access to quake-hit areas.
Rescue Work in Sweltering Heat
Rescue operations continued through the weekend in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of over 1.7 million. Temperatures soared to 40°C, worsening conditions for survivors and rescue workers. Many residents were forced to sleep outdoors for a third night, fearing further collapses from continuing tremors.
A tragic scene unfolded at a collapsed apartment block where rescuers freed a pregnant woman after amputating her leg. Despite their efforts, she succumbed to blood loss shortly after being pulled from the rubble.
Eid Prayers Amid Rubble, Funerals to Follow
Despite the devastation, Muslim worshippers gathered near a destroyed mosque in Mandalay for Eid al-Fitr prayerson Monday, marking the end of Ramadan. Mass funerals for hundreds of victims were also expected throughout the day.
The initial quake struck early Friday afternoon, followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock. The tremors brought down buildings, bridges, and roads, especially in central Myanmar, where destruction is most severe.
Red Cross Launches $100 Million Appeal
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for over $100 million to support earthquake victims. The organization warned of mounting needs as high temperaturesand the approaching monsoon season heighten the risk of secondary crises, including disease and food shortages.
Ongoing Conflict Complicates Relief
Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis was already dire before the quake. The country has been in turmoil since the military coup of 2021, with ongoing civil war displacing over 3.5 million people. Hunger, displacement, and violence were already prevalent, and the earthquake has only worsened conditions.
Reports emerged of ongoing clashes even after the tremors. One rebel group told AFP that seven of its fighters were killed in an airstrike shortly after the earthquake hit.
