Rescue teams, including the Yangon Free Funeral Service Society, have confirmed the successful rescue of a man who was trapped for 6 days in the collapsed Shwetaung Inn building in Sagaing city. The building collapsed during the earthquake that struck on March 28 in Sagaing Region. The victim was trapped under the rubble for 144 hours before being successfully rescued through a joint effort of local and international rescue teams, including those from Malaysia. The rescue operation demonstrated remarkable coordination between various teams working tirelessly to save lives in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.
According to a volunteer who participated in the rescue operation, the survivor was found conscious despite being trapped for an extended period. Although physically weakened from the ordeal, he had no other serious injuries. This miraculous rescue stands as a remarkable testament to human resilience and the effectiveness of coordinated rescue efforts. While the military council has reported over 2,800 deaths from the Sagaing earthquake, local residents suggest the actual death toll may be higher. The rescue operation involved careful coordination and technical expertise from both domestic and international teams working under challenging conditions.
This earthquake has been one of the most devastating natural disasters to hit Myanmar, particularly affecting townships within the Sagaing Region, where numerous buildings, pagodas, schools, and other structures have been destroyed. While rescue and relief operations continue with support from both domestic and international organizations, there remain significant challenges and needs. Local communities are still in urgent need of food, drinking water, medical supplies, and shelter, with civil society organizations providing as much assistance as possible. The successful rescue of this survivor after such an extended period has provided a ray of hope amid the ongoing crisis, highlighting the importance of persistent rescue efforts even days after the initial disaster.
