The death toll in Myanmar earthquake has risen over 1,700
The junta in Myanmar said today that more than 1,700 people were killed and 3,400 were injured in the earthquake. Due to the large number of casualties in the country, seven days of mourning have been folded.
Myanmar rescue teams face major obstacles as they try to reach the earthquake -affected communities, the International Rescue Committee said.
The roads are damaged, trapped by landslides and shot, and additional problems create poor communication infrastructure, especially in cities centers, as well as frequent power cuts.
Rescuers are currently near the epicenter in Mandaley. They said many citizens were sleeping outdoors, there were not enough tents or safe places to take refuge. Citizens also face water shortages.
Earlier, Margaret Harris of the World Health Organization said that Myanmar hospitals were damaged, overloaded and the spread of infectious disease was possible.
At least three hospitals are completely dysfunctional, while 22 are partially damaged and virtually incapable of work – Harris said, adding that humanitarians face the potential spread of infectious diseases, such as cholera.
Myanmar was hit by a large 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28, with an epicenter near the city of Mandalay, at a depth of about 20 kilometers. The great earthquake was felt both in Thailand and other Asian countries. A few minutes later a second earthquake measuring 6.4.
According to US geologist Jess Phoenix, an earthquake registered in Myanmar released energy equal to 334 atomic bombs. According to her, subsequent shocks could last months as the Indian tectonic plate continues to descend below the Eurasian plaque in the Myanmar region.
According to the US Geological Simulation, the number of dead could exceed 10,000 people in Myanmar, and losses could be greater than the country’s gross domestic product.
