The number of dead in Burma could exceed 10,000 (photo)

Magnitude 7.7 earthquake that hit the area near Mandalay in Burma, It has caused one of the worst natural disasters in the region in the last century. The earthquake has claimed at least 1,000 lives according to the data known so far, but experts from the US Geological Survey (US Geological Survey) estimate that the number of deaths could exceed 10,000. The power of the earthquake and the proximity of the epicenter caused extensive damage to the infrastructure, and many buildings have been demolished, further difficult to rescue.

After the earthquake: Shaking images of a broken burma (photo)

The earthquake not only affected Burma, but also the neighboring countries. According to US geologists, it was the strongest earthquake that hit Myanmar in more than a century, and the vibrations were strong enough to significantly damage the buildings in Bangkok, hundreds of miles away from the epicenter. According to the latest data, at least 6 people have died in Bangkok, Thailand – previously reported by the media out of 10 people.

The buildings were collapsed, including one rather tall, which was still in the construction phase. The authorities there are trying to save more than 100 people who are trapped under the ruins. There were 26 more damaged ones in the bank, and 47 are still missing, mostly from the construction site near the popular Chatuchak market, where a tall building collapsed.

Communication outages and damaged roads make it difficult to access the most affected areas, which slows down the rescue and delivery of emergency assistance.

Burma declared an emergency in the six most affected regions after the earthquake, and in one of the main hospitals in the Naypyidaw capital, doctors had to treat injured outdoors.

Photo: Chalinee Thirasupa Reuters

The international community has already come to the rescue and consequences of the accident. China and India sent rescue teams and humanitarian aid. The United Nations have earmarked five million dollars of humanitarian aid. The European Union has released € 2.5 million for emergency assistance and activated the Copernicus satellite system.

China will provide $ 13.77 million in assistance, its embassy said today. The assistance will include tents, blankets, emergency medical kits, food, water and other basic supplies, with the first part arriving 31 in March, reports Reuters, referring to the Facebook page of the Chinese Embassy.

The country, which is one of the poorest in Asia, has a weak infrastructure, making it difficult to access the most affected areas. Photo: Sai Aung Main/AFP

Despite the rapid response, Burma is facing huge challenges. The country, which is one of the poorest in Asia, has a weak infrastructure, making it difficult to access the most affected areas. The lack of appropriate equipment makes it difficult to rescue efforts.

In addition to infrastructure problems, Myanmar has been suffering for many years due to a civil war that broke out after a military coup in 2021.