A devastating earthquake of 7.7 magnitude has shaken Myanmar, leaving behind widespread destruction and claiming at least 1,644 lives, according to official reports released by Myanmar’s military junta on Saturday. The earthquake, which struck on Friday, is among the deadliest natural disasters the region has faced in recent years. The casualty figures are expected to rise as over 3,000 people remain unaccounted for, and search and rescue operations continue under difficult conditions.
Massive Damage Across Myanmar
The epicenter of the earthquake was reported in Myanmar’s Mandalay region, a densely populated area in central Myanmar. Many buildings, bridges, and roads have been reduced to rubble, cutting off several towns and villages from relief efforts.
Local authorities reported that hospitals are overwhelmed with the influx of injured people, and emergency shelters are overcrowded. Survivors are struggling with shortages of clean drinking water, food, and medical supplies.
Entire communities have been flattened, especially in rural areas where construction is weak and emergency preparedness is minimal. Experts fear that the full scale of devastation may still be unknown due to communication breakdowns and blocked roads.
More Than 3,000 People Missing
The military junta confirmed that, along with the confirmed death toll of 1,644, more than 3,000 people are missing. Most of the missing are from the Mandalay and Sagaing regions, where landslides and collapsed buildings have buried entire families under debris.
Local volunteers, international NGOs, and Myanmar’s army are conducting desperate search and rescue operations, using basic equipment due to limited resources. Rescue workers reported emotional scenes as families wait in hope near destroyed buildings, praying for their loved ones to be found alive.
India Extends Support through ‘Operation Brahma
India has launched Operation Brahma to assist Myanmar in this time of crisis. The Indian Air Force has already dispatched aircraft carrying 15 tonnes of relief materials, including food, medicine, tents, blankets, generators, and hygiene kits. The first consignment was formally handed over to Myanmar authorities in Yangon.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the operation is named after Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, symbolizing India’s commitment to helping Myanmar rebuild. Additional aircraft carrying search and rescue teams, including canine squads, have also been deployed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern and conveyed solidarity with the people of Myanmar. “India stands ready to extend all possible assistance,” he posted on social media.
Global Humanitarian Response Gathers Momentum
Other countries like Thailand, China, and Japan have also pledged aid and sent rescue teams to Myanmar. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued an emergency appeal for international assistance, citing Myanmar’s fragile infrastructure and limited disaster-response capacity.
The global community has called on Myanmar’s military government to allow unimpeded access to international humanitarian agencies to reach affected areas without restrictions.
Challenges in Relief and Rescue Operations
Rescue operations are facing multiple challenges, including:
Damaged roads and collapsed bridges blocking access.
Limited heavy machinery for debris removal.
Shortage of medical supplies and drinking water.
Ongoing aftershocks causing panic and additional damage.
Communication blackouts in remote regions.
The situation is further complicated by Myanmar’s ongoing internal conflicts, which have left some regions insecure and hard to access.
International Calls for Solidarity
International organizations, including the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and various faith-based NGOs, have mobilized support teams and relief material. Social media campaigns urging donations for Myanmar’s earthquake victims are gaining momentum globally.
The Road Ahead
With thousands feared trapped under rubble and critical infrastructure destroyed, the coming days will be crucial for Myanmar. Aid agencies and neighboring countries have called for urgent and coordinated efforts to prevent a further humanitarian catastrophe.
The people of Myanmar are in desperate need of food, shelter, and medical care. As search teams continue to battle time and adverse conditions, the world watches with hope and prayers for survivors.
