The death toll from the Myanmar earthquake could easily surpass 10,000, according to modelling by the United States Geological Survey.
Modeling by the United States Geological Survey roughly estimates that the death toll is likely to surpass 1,000, and could be much higher. A death toll of more than 10,000 is a strong possibility, given the proximity of populated areas and the vulnerability of nearby structures, the estimates suggest.
“Residents in this area generally live in structures that are vulnerable to earthquakes, although there are some solid buildings. Vulnerable structures are those built according to non-standard construction and are made of unsound bricks,” the report said.
The huge earthquake hit Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, k.illing more than 150 people and injuring hundreds, with dozens trapped in collapsed buildings.
The shallow 7.7-magnitude tremor hit northwest of the city of Sagaing in central Myanmar in the early afternoon, and was followed minutes later by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock.
Myanmar death toll passes 1000
The death toll from a massive earthquake in Myanmar has passed 1000, with more than 2000 injured, the ruling military leadership has announced.
A statement from the junta’s information office reported that 1,002 people have been confirmed dead from Friday’s 7.7-magnitude quake, while 2,376 others have sustained injuries.
The powerful earthquake struck northwest of Sagaing, causing widespread destruction across central Myanmar. A state of emergency has been declared in six regions, including Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, which is near the epicenter and has suffered extensive damage.
The military government reported that 694 deaths were confirmed in the Mandalay region alone, with 1,670 people injured. However, due to disrupted communications, the full scale of the disaster remains unclear, and the death toll is expected to rise significantly.
Impact in Thailand
In neighboring Thailand, at least 10 people have died in Bangkok due to the earthquake’s impact. Additionally, more than 100 people remain trapped under the rubble of a collapsed high-rise building under construction in the city.
International Aid and Response
According to the USGS, the scale of destruction highlights the urgent need for international emergency aid, as well as immediate rescue and relief operations to mitigate the economic and humanitarian impact.
Earthquakes are relatively common in Myanmar. Between 1930 and 1956, six earthquakes of magnitude 7 or greater were recorded near the Sagaing fault line, which runs north to south through the country.
Experts warn that Myanmar’s rapid urban development, combined with aging infrastructure and poor city planning, has left its most densely populated areas highly vulnerable to earthquakes and other natural disasters.
Source: nzherald.co.nz; express.co.uk