Myanmar quake toll rises to 1,644; rescue efforts hampered

The death toll from the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has climbed to 1,644, with more than 3,400 people injured, the country’s ruling junta said on Saturday, according to AFP, as reported by Reuters. At least 139 people remain missing as rescue operations continue.

Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city and one of the worst-hit areas near the quake’s epicenter, is witnessing power outages, making rescue efforts challenging. Rescuers, relying on portable generators, are still pulling survivors from the rubble.

“There are many victims in condo apartments. More than 100 were pulled out last night,” a rescuer told AFP, urging for more assistance to speed up the operations.

Besides claiming lives, the earthquake took down several buildings, bridges, and a monastery.

The country declared a state of emergency across the six worst-affected regions after the quake, and at one major hospital in the capital, Naypyidaw, medics were forced to treat the wounded in the open air.

The Myanmar government said that blood was in high demand in the areas that suffered the most destruction.

The junta government also sought international aid in the wake of the earthquake. The United Nations allocated USD 5 million to start relief efforts.

India sends humanitarian aid

India has also sent approximately 15 tonnes of relief material to Myanmar on an IAF aircraft. PM also spoke to Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military-led government in Myanmar, and said India stands in solidarity with the country in dealing with the devastation caused by a massive earthquake there.

PM Modi said on X, "Spoke with Senior General H.E. Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. Conveyed our deep condolences at the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour."

He said India is sending disaster relief material, humanitarian assistance, search and rescue teams to the affected areas as part of 'Operation Brahma'."

China, Russia have dispatched rescue teams, while US President Donald Trump has also assured assistance.