A powerful 5.1 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar early Sunday, March 30th, worsening the crisis caused by back-to-back quakes that struck the region just days before. Rescue teams are working around the clock to find survivors, but the death toll has already climbed past 1,700, with hundreds still missing.
The latest tremor’s epicenter was near Mandalay, a major tourist hub, about 17 miles northwest of the city. The quake was shallow—just 6.2 miles deep—which often causes more destruction. This new quake disrupted rescue operations, forcing workers and survivors to flee collapsing buildings once again.
Rescue efforts are struggling due to collapsed roads, destroyed bridges, and power outages. Communication lines are down in many areas, making coordination difficult. Myanmar’s ongoing civil war has also slowed relief work, though a temporary ceasefire was announced to allow aid to reach those in need. “Aid workers should not fear arrest, and nothing should block help from reaching the people who need it most,” said Tom Andrews, a U.N. human rights expert.
In Mandalay, around 1.5 million people live in fear of aftershocks. Many are sleeping outside, afraid their damaged homes could collapse. The U.N. reports that thousands are staying in open spaces, with shelters in short supply. Officials warn the death toll could rise dramatically—possibly beyond 10,000—as rescue teams search through the wreckage.
The earthquakes also caused destruction in Thailand and China. In Bangkok, high-rise buildings crumbled, and hotel infinity pools collapsed, sending deadly waves of water crashing down. At least 17 people died in Thailand, with many more injured or missing. In Myanmar’s Sagaing region, 80% of buildings were destroyed, and bridges are down, cutting off aid routes. “We have to help ourselves because outside help can’t reach us easily,” said a local teacher.
The first quake on Friday was a massive 7.7 magnitude—equivalent to the force of 334 atomic bombs. Thousands of buildings, including ancient temples and schools, were reduced to rubble. As rescue teams dig through debris, the world watches, hoping for survivors. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
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