In the aftermath of a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, the city of Sagaing grapples with a rising death toll and hindered rescue operations.
Earthquake Devastates Sagaing: Aid Blocked in Myanmar's Remote City
Earthquake Devastates Sagaing: Aid Blocked in Myanmar's Remote City
As the situation worsens following the earthquake, local volunteers face military restrictions on relief efforts.
Three days after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Sagaing, Myanmar, the city remains in a dire situation as recovery efforts struggle to gain momentum. The quake, which occurred on Friday, claimed over 2,000 lives and wreaked havoc on the already war-torn region. Sagaing's 300,000 residents have been left to fend for themselves as key infrastructure, including roads and bridges, suffered significant damage, isolating the city even further.
Local volunteers expressed frustration at their inability to assist in rescue efforts, as they have been met with military barricades that control access to the devastated areas. “We are not permitted to help unless we have their approval," lamented U Tin Shwe, a local citizen standing outside a toppled monastery. With many residents still trapped under the rubble, the urgency for unimpeded aid is palpable.
The military regime reported on Monday that the earthquake’s death toll had surged to 2,056, with additional injuries totaling 3,900. Initial estimates from the U.S. Geological Survey suggest the final number of casualties may exceed 10,000. While search-and-rescue teams have been dispatched to major cities like Mandalay and Naypyidaw—home to the country's military leadership—social media outcry has called for redirecting aid to Sagaing, where destruction is reported to have affected over 80% of the town.
As international aid groups start to intervene, the military's grip on communication and transport continues to pose challenges, leaving many in urgent need of assistance without access to essential resources. The residents of Sagaing hope for a swift response from both local and international entities to help navigate through this unprecedented crisis.
Local volunteers expressed frustration at their inability to assist in rescue efforts, as they have been met with military barricades that control access to the devastated areas. “We are not permitted to help unless we have their approval," lamented U Tin Shwe, a local citizen standing outside a toppled monastery. With many residents still trapped under the rubble, the urgency for unimpeded aid is palpable.
The military regime reported on Monday that the earthquake’s death toll had surged to 2,056, with additional injuries totaling 3,900. Initial estimates from the U.S. Geological Survey suggest the final number of casualties may exceed 10,000. While search-and-rescue teams have been dispatched to major cities like Mandalay and Naypyidaw—home to the country's military leadership—social media outcry has called for redirecting aid to Sagaing, where destruction is reported to have affected over 80% of the town.
As international aid groups start to intervene, the military's grip on communication and transport continues to pose challenges, leaving many in urgent need of assistance without access to essential resources. The residents of Sagaing hope for a swift response from both local and international entities to help navigate through this unprecedented crisis.
