The death toll from a devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand has tragically surpassed 1,000, with rescuers frantically searching through the debris of collapsed buildings to locate survivors.
According to a statement from the military government of Myanmar, at least 1,002 individuals have lost their lives, and nearly 2,376 have sustained injuries in the Mandalay region, which includes the nation’s second-largest city and is located close to the earthquake’s epicenter. This disaster has left entire communities grappling with the loss and destruction.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent, Tony Cheng, reported from the capital, Naypyidaw, detailing the distress experienced by those affected. “It was a pretty uncomfortable night for many people, leading them to choose sleeping outdoors for safety. We observed families in parks, setting up mattresses outside their homes, trying to find some semblance of comfort amid the chaos,” he noted.
Compounding the anxiety of the situation, aftershocks continued to rattle the region, with several felt as recently as this morning. Although these aftershocks were not of significant magnitude, they were enough to instill fear and further discomfort, making many residents hesitant to return to their homes, which may not be structurally sound. The community remains on high alert as the search for survivors continues in the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
