A 63-year-old woman was rescued from the rubble in Myanmar’s capital after being trapped for 91 hours following a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake, offering a rare moment of hope amid a deepening crisis.
At a Glance
- A 63-year-old woman was rescued after 91 hours trapped in Naypyidaw.
- The earthquake has killed more than 2,700, with over 4,500 injured and 441 missing.
- Infrastructure collapse and civil war are hampering rescue and relief efforts.
- International calls grow for military ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access.
The Earthquake’s Devastating Impact
On Friday, Myanmar was struck by a massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake, resulting in one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in decades. According to AP News, the death toll has now exceeded 2,700, with more than 4,500 people injured and 441 still missing. The quake, which also affected parts of Thailand, caused widespread structural failures across cities and villages.
In Thailand, a building collapse in Bangkok killed at least 21 people, further illustrating the regional scope of the disaster. Over 10,000 buildings across Myanmar and Thailand have been either destroyed or severely compromised, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Conflict
Myanmar’s ongoing civil war has severely complicated the delivery of humanitarian aid. With over three million people already displaced by the conflict, the earthquake has drastically worsened living conditions. Relief agencies, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), warn of increased risks of disease due to damaged water and sanitation systems.
“The displacement of thousands into overcrowded shelters, coupled with the destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure, has significantly heightened the risk of communicable disease outbreaks,” said OCHA.
Despite widespread destruction, rescue efforts are hindered by damaged roads, a lack of heavy equipment, and the military’s failure to implement a ceasefire. Human rights groups have accused Myanmar’s military of obstructing aid delivery to areas held by opposition forces. Calls for the military to lift restrictions and allow unimpeded humanitarian access are growing more urgent by the day.
A Glimmer of Hope: Stories of Survival
In the midst of this grim landscape, a rare story of survival brought some solace. A 63-year-old woman was pulled alive from rubble in Naypyidaw after being trapped for 91 hours. As reported by Insider Paper, her rescue was carried out by the Myanmar Fire Services Department and hailed as a miracle.
Other rescue operations have saved families and children from collapsed buildings, though officials caution that the chance of finding more survivors is rapidly dwindling. These efforts underscore the bravery of local and international responders working under extreme conditions.
International Response and Aid Coordination
Global aid is slowly arriving, with teams from countries including China, India, and Russia assisting in rescue and recovery. However, logistics remain challenging. Damaged infrastructure and ongoing conflict have delayed supply chains and limited access to remote areas in need.
“The focus in Myanmar must be on saving lives, not taking them,” said Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar.
Humanitarian groups and the National Unity Government continue to press for a coordinated ceasefire to allow aid organizations to operate without obstruction. The tragedy has laid bare the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness in politically volatile regions.
