Rescue squads hurry to Myanmar in search of earthquake survivors
Rescue operations are intensifying in Myanmar following the devastating earthquake, the most powerful in over a century, which struck on Friday, resulting in over 1,600 fatalities and more than 3,000 injuries while demolishing numerous structures....
TroibNews 
Rescue operations are intensifying in Myanmar following the devastating earthquake, the most powerful in over a century, which struck on Friday, resulting in over 1,600 fatalities and more than 3,000 injuries while demolishing numerous structures. The U.S. Geological Survey has projected that the death toll could exceed 10,000.
In the wake of this tragedy, Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar's military government, declared a state of emergency and issued a call for assistance, extending an "open invitation to any organizations and nations willing to come and help the people in need within our country."
A number of countries, including China, India, Vietnam, and Thailand, have already sent rescue teams to Myanmar. The Blue Sky Rescue team from China commenced their evaluation tasks immediately upon their arrival in Mandalay on Sunday.
Another contingent from Yunnan Province in southwest China arrived in Nay Pyi Taw, a city also significantly impacted by the quake, on Saturday morning. This 37-member rescue and medical team was the first international group to reach the nation, bringing with them 112 comprehensive life detectors, earthquake early warning systems, portable satellite communications, drones, and other emergency supplies.
Furthermore, two C-17 aircraft transporting an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit, which consists of 118 personnel and 60 tons of humanitarian aid, landed in Myanmar, as reported by Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, on Sunday. More shipments and flights carrying relief supplies are anticipated to follow.
Vietnam plans to send a 79-member military task force to aid in search and rescue operations, as well as post-disaster recovery efforts in Myanmar, according to the Vietnam News Agency on Saturday. The team, organized by the Ministry of Defense's Department of Rescue and Relief, is set to depart for Myanmar on Sunday afternoon.
Additionally, Thailand has announced its intention to send a military rescue team to Myanmar to assist with relief initiatives. Russia has also committed to dispatching planeloads of relief supplies and personnel. In response to the disaster, U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the earthquake as "terrible" and affirmed that the U.S. would offer support to Myanmar.
Other contributors of aid include the European Union, which has committed 2.5 million euros in initial emergency assistance, along with support from South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore.
On the ground in Myanmar, damaged roads and rubble are hindering relief efforts, according to the United Nations, as the urgent search for survivors continues. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported on Saturday severe shortages of medical supplies, including trauma kits, blood bags, anesthetics, and assistive devices, which have further complicated the response.
As of Friday, OCHA stated that over 1,200 houses, three school buildings, one hotel, and several religious structures had been damaged or destroyed, while hospitals, major bridges, universities, and historical landmarks also suffered significant impacts.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
In the wake of this tragedy, Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar's military government, declared a state of emergency and issued a call for assistance, extending an "open invitation to any organizations and nations willing to come and help the people in need within our country."
A number of countries, including China, India, Vietnam, and Thailand, have already sent rescue teams to Myanmar. The Blue Sky Rescue team from China commenced their evaluation tasks immediately upon their arrival in Mandalay on Sunday.
Another contingent from Yunnan Province in southwest China arrived in Nay Pyi Taw, a city also significantly impacted by the quake, on Saturday morning. This 37-member rescue and medical team was the first international group to reach the nation, bringing with them 112 comprehensive life detectors, earthquake early warning systems, portable satellite communications, drones, and other emergency supplies.
Furthermore, two C-17 aircraft transporting an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit, which consists of 118 personnel and 60 tons of humanitarian aid, landed in Myanmar, as reported by Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, on Sunday. More shipments and flights carrying relief supplies are anticipated to follow.
Vietnam plans to send a 79-member military task force to aid in search and rescue operations, as well as post-disaster recovery efforts in Myanmar, according to the Vietnam News Agency on Saturday. The team, organized by the Ministry of Defense's Department of Rescue and Relief, is set to depart for Myanmar on Sunday afternoon.
Additionally, Thailand has announced its intention to send a military rescue team to Myanmar to assist with relief initiatives. Russia has also committed to dispatching planeloads of relief supplies and personnel. In response to the disaster, U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the earthquake as "terrible" and affirmed that the U.S. would offer support to Myanmar.
Other contributors of aid include the European Union, which has committed 2.5 million euros in initial emergency assistance, along with support from South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore.
On the ground in Myanmar, damaged roads and rubble are hindering relief efforts, according to the United Nations, as the urgent search for survivors continues. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported on Saturday severe shortages of medical supplies, including trauma kits, blood bags, anesthetics, and assistive devices, which have further complicated the response.
As of Friday, OCHA stated that over 1,200 houses, three school buildings, one hotel, and several religious structures had been damaged or destroyed, while hospitals, major bridges, universities, and historical landmarks also suffered significant impacts.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
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