A huge earthquake hit the city of Mandalay in Myanmar on Friday, causing buildings to collapse and leaving people trapped under the rubble. Survivors were digging through the debris with their hands, desperately trying to save their loved ones. Htet Min Oo, a 25-year-old survivor, said he was stuck under a wall but managed to escape. However, his grandmother and two uncles were still trapped beneath the ruins. “There’s too much rubble, and no rescue teams have come for us,” he cried.
Myanmar has been facing serious problems since 2021, when the military took control from a democratically elected government. This led to a lot of violence and a civil war, making the country very weak. Over 1,000 people have died from this earthquake, which hit at a terrible time for a country already in crisis.
“The earthquake came when we least needed it,” said Sheela Matthew from the World Food Program. “Myanmar just can’t handle another disaster.” The health care system is struggling and people are getting sick with diseases like cholera. “Helping those hurt by the earthquake will be a huge challenge,” said Mohammed Riyas from the International Rescue Committee.
Despite the destruction, the military, which controls the country, hasn’t offered much help. They did ask for international aid, but many fear that the aid will not reach the people who really need it. Right now, many people are displaced due to the ongoing conflict. Many have fled their homes, and around 3.5 million people are currently displaced.
Some rescue efforts are being made, but there aren’t enough workers and machines to help. A rescue worker mentioned that they borrowed equipment from local businesses because the military hasn’t sent any help. Community members are asking for cranes and heavy equipment on social media, hoping to recover their loved ones trapped in the rubble.
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