Poonam Nath

Myanmar Earthquake: More than 1,000 killed; India sends rescue teams

Digital Desk: The death toll from the sturdy 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has surpassed 1,000. Myanmar's military government has confirmed that 1,002 people were killed and 2,376 injured.

Hospitals in Mandalay and other places in Myanmar are overcrowded, with injured patients continuously being admitted. The army representatives stated that the number of dead and injured could potentially grow as detailed figures are being gathered.

Rescuers are searching for survivors in the rubble of collapsed buildings. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake was quickly followed by a 6.7 magnitude aftershock, which destroyed buildings, roads, bridges, and even a dam.

The tremor toppled several high-rise buildings in neighboring Thailand, recording only four fatalities, 26 injuries, and 17 people missing.

India has sent a search and rescue team, as well as a medical team. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit Thailand on April 3 and 4 for the BIMSTEC conference, has voiced worry about the disaster.

Modi has directed the External Affairs Ministry to contact both governments. Thailand is receiving aid from European countries, but the military regime in Myanmar is experiencing difficulties in receiving aid. India is prepared to provide all necessary aid and support to Myanmar.

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the military leader, made a plea for foreign assistance to address the catastrophe on a warlike basis. Relief planes with food, tents, blankets, sleeping bags, rescues, medications, and devices have been deployed by China, Russia, and India.

Mandalay, the second-biggest city in Myanmar with a population of over 17 lakh, has been completely devastated by the earthquake shocks.