Key Points
5.1 aftershock hits same region as Friday's deadly quakes
Infrastructure damage hinders rescue operations
India sends 15 tonnes of relief supplies
Over 1,000 lives lost in initial earthquakes
The latest seismic activity occurred near Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, around 2.50 p.m., at a depth of 10 km. The full extent of damage and potential casualties from this new tremor, which impacted the same regions affected by Friday's earthquakes, remains unclear.
Following the initial quake near Sagaing, the region experienced 12 aftershocks, ranging from 2.8 to 7.5 in magnitude, further exacerbating the already dire situation. Mandalay, Bago, Magway, northeastern Shan State, Sagaing, and Nay Pyi Taw have been identified as the hardest-hit areas, Xinhua news agency reported.
The Myanmar government has declared a national emergency as rescue teams work tirelessly to provide assistance. Damage to crucial infrastructure, including the Yangon-Mandalay highway near Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay, has significantly hindered relief efforts.
People are now utilising the older Yangon-Mandalay road to reach affected areas and aid in rescue operations. The collapse of buildings at Mandalay Airport and sections of the highway has also severed vital transport links between Myanmar's two largest cities.
Rescue teams, including fire service personnel from lower Myanmar, have reached severely affected areas such as Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay. However, damaged infrastructure, power outages, and disrupted communication networks are posing significant challenges to their efforts.
In line with its Act East policy, India has dispatched over two tranches of 15 tonnes of relief material to Myanmar. Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, announced that India, under "Operation Brahma," is acting as a first responder to support the people of Myanmar affected by the devastating earthquakes.
The initial quakes on Friday resulted in widespread destruction and the loss of over a thousand lives.
Comments:
Sarah K.
My heart breaks for Myanmar 😢 These back-to-back quakes must be terrifying for people already dealing with so much loss.
James T.
That highway damage between Yangon and Mandalay is going to make relief efforts incredibly difficult. Hope they can restore transport links soon.
Priya M.
Proud of India's quick response with Operation Brahma! This is what neighbors should do in times of crisis.
David L.
I'm concerned the death toll might rise significantly once they reach more remote areas. The aftershocks aren't helping either.
Nina R.
While the international response is good, I worry about long-term recovery. Myanmar's infrastructure wasn't strong to begin with before these quakes.
