Survivor Rescued After 90 Hours in Southeast Asia Earthquake

In a remarkable display of resilience, a woman in her sixties was successfully rescued from the rubble in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, more than 90 hours after a devastating earthquake struck the region. Local fire department officials reported her recovery on Tuesday, marking a glimmer of hope amid a tragic situation.

The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.7, has resulted in a rising death toll, with the military government's chief, General Min Aung Hlaing, announcing on state television that 2,719 people have perished thus far. Additionally, approximately 4,521 individuals have reported injuries, and over 400 are still unaccounted for. The general anticipates that the death count will exceed 3,000 as rescue operations continue.

In the wake of the earthquake, which is the strongest in Myanmar in over a century, humanitarian organizations have described the conditions on the ground as catastrophic. Urgent needs for shelter, food, and clean water have been highlighted, with the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noting that many individuals in the most affected areas are struggling to meet their basic needs, including access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

Rescue teams are tirelessly working to find and save survivors, especially in regions surrounding Mandalay, which is approximately 17 kilometers from the quake's epicenter. Reports indicate a severe shortage of essential resources, including food, water, and medical supplies. In Mandalay, many residents are opting to sleep outdoors on streets or fields due to fears of aftershocks.

The political climate in Myanmar complicates rescue efforts. Since the military coup in 2021, which ousted the democratically elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the country has experienced ongoing civil unrest, further straining its already fragile infrastructure. Currently, about 3.5 million people have been displaced due to the conflict. In a positive turn, the National Unity Government, an opposition group, announced a two-week ceasefire starting Sunday, intending to collaborate with resistance groups and civil organizations for rescue initiatives.

Meanwhile, in Thailand, where the earthquake's effects were also felt, search efforts continue for individuals trapped under the debris of a high-rise building still under construction at the time of the quake. Rescue leader Bin Bunluerit expressed dwindling hopes of finding survivors, estimating that around 70 people may still be trapped beneath the rubble. Local authorities confirmed that six bodies have been identified through scanning technology, although no signs of life have been detected.

The confirmed death toll from this incident in Thailand stands at 20, with 74 individuals reported missing. Preliminary investigations by the Thai Ministry of Industry suggest that substandard steel may have contributed to the building's collapse, prompting the government to initiate an inquiry into the causes.