THE 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar was felt across neighboring countries, including Thailand and South-West China.

According to the latest reports from the Myanmar government, 2,000 people have been confirmed dead and 3,900 were injured.

In a BBC report, survivors and rescuers referred to the earthquake as a “total disaster.”

Pleas for help were heard, with rescuers digging by hand in desperation to save lives.

“People are screaming for help,” a rescuer said.

A survivor also shared “I can hear mothers crying, friends, because their children are still inside the building.”

This catastrophic earthquake caused extensive damages that led to the declaration of state of emergency to some regions in Myanmar including Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Shan, and Nay Pyi Taw.

Myanmar’s Timeline

Based on the records of the US Geological Survey, the first tremor was felt at 12:50 (6:20 GMT), and the second one with 6.4 magnitude occurred 12 minutes after, its epicenter was found 18 kilometers south of Sagaing.

Recent reports indicated that traffic in Mandalay resumed on Monday, and both restaurants and street vendors resumed their operations.

Myanmar’s military rule

Following the tremor in Myanmar, the need for enhanced communication and infrastructure has become more evident, particularly under the country’s current military junta.

Myanmar has been governed by the State Administration Council since the military coup in February 2021 and reinstated a regime of strict control.

Among the junta’s repressive policies is the absolute media censorship across the country which has affected the accuracy of reported casualties in the recent earthquake.

The military junta in Myanmar maintains tight control over media outlets, limiting access to local radio, television, print, and online sources, while also restricting internet usage, as cited in a BBC report.

Citing an inability to guarantee their safety, the junta has also denied visas to foreign journalists who are hoping to report on the aftermath of the earthquake.

This situation in Myanmar has further restricted worldwide coverage of the crisis and aid efforts.

Without internet access and restricted movement, relief efforts are affected, slowing down the arrival of information in affected areas.

International aid in Myanmar

International aid from countries like China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia are underway, providing critical supplies and support personnel after a rare appeal of Myanmar’s military authority .

The Red Cross in particular has issued an immediate appeal of $100 million, while the United Nations is seeking $8 million for their relief response.

Other non-governmental organizations are also delivering aid while urging greater transparency and cooperation from Myanmar’s leaders.

Future plans include calls for an immediate ceasefire by both the junta and resistance forces to facilitate relief efforts.

The National Unity Government, the country’s government in exile formed from the 2021 coup composing elected lawmakers and parliament members, has already declared a two-week pause on offensive military operations in quake-affected areas to prioritize humanitarian aid.

Earthquakes result from tectonic movements along fault lines. Myanmar’s location near the Sagaing Fault makes it vulnerable to seismic activity.

According to USGS, the earthquake on Friday marked the strongest to hit Myanmar since 1912.(Mary Grace Fegarido and Rey Martin Rio, USJ-R Comm Interns)

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