According to the military council’s announcement, the earthquake in Mandalay Region has resulted in 649 deaths, 1,670 injuries, and 68 people reported missing. However, these official figures significantly differ from the ground reality, with humanitarian organizations and rescue teams reporting that approximately 1,000 people are currently missing, indicating a much larger scale of impact than officially acknowledged.
Rescue workers have informed the Yangon Modern News Agency that many victims remain trapped under collapsed buildings in Mandalay, and the death toll is expected to rise further as time progresses. The rescue operations face significant challenges due to insufficient rescue equipment and a shortage of skilled personnel, making it difficult to reach those still trapped under the debris. The situation is particularly critical as the time window for finding survivors narrows with each passing hour.
The earthquake has caused extensive damage to buildings throughout Mandalay, with older structures and those not meeting safety standards being particularly affected. The situation is further complicated by continuing aftershocks, which have forced local residents to seek shelter in temporary camps and open spaces due to safety concerns. Many residents are reluctant to return to their homes, fearing the structural integrity of buildings that may have been compromised by the initial earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. The ongoing seismic activity has created a atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty among the local population, who are struggling to cope with the aftermath of this natural disaster.
