Myo Zaw and his team of volunteer rescue workers were the first to arrive at the site of a collapsed three-story house in Mandalay shortly after 8 p.m. on Saturday. While digging through the rubble with their bare hands, they heard a faint voice of a girl asking for help.
After three to four hours of effort, the rescuers successfully pulled out a 12-year-old girl who had survived the collapse. However, as they continued their work in nearly 100-degree heat, they discovered three bodies: the girl’s mother and her grandparents. Mr. Myo Zaw expressed concern that they would find more bodies than survivors due to the intense heat causing rapid decomposition.
The situation in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of approximately 1.5 million, is critical following a devastating earthquake that struck on Friday. Satellite images revealed that numerous buildings in the area were reduced to rubble.
As of Saturday night, over 1,600 people were confirmed dead and more than 3,000 injured, marking the worst earthquake to hit Myanmar in over a century. Experts warn that the chances of survival for those trapped will significantly decrease after the crucial 72-hour mark following the disaster.
Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, aftershocks, including a strong one on Sunday, have kept residents in a state of fear. Several buildings that had initially survived the earthquake collapsed later that day.
The military government has continued its bombing campaign amid the urgent need for relief efforts, with reports of an airstrike on Sunday afternoon in Pakokku Township resulting in casualties. The response of the military government, led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, could significantly impact its grip on power, especially as it faces challenges from rebel forces in the ongoing civil war.
Initial rescue operations were hampered by a lack of machinery and personnel. However, the arrival of Chinese rescue teams with heavy equipment on Saturday night provided some hope. On Sunday, volunteers rescued 29 individuals from a collapsed apartment building in Mandalay and recovered eight bodies, with around 90 people still believed to be trapped.
Residents are facing an uncertain future, dealing with food rationing and limited access to power and water. Volunteers have requested additional body bags as they continue to recover corpses. Many have criticized the military for its lack of assistance.
International aid has begun to arrive from several countries, but concerns remain regarding the military's distribution of relief supplies. Former U.S. ambassador to Myanmar, Scot Marciel, expressed skepticism about the military's intentions, suggesting they may use aid to benefit their supporters while neglecting areas controlled by resistance forces.
Padoh Saw Taw Nee, a spokesman for the rebel Karen National Union, welcomed foreign support but cautioned against the military's potential misuse of funds for warfare. Control of Myanmar is currently divided between the military regime and various ethnic armies, with the ongoing civil war exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Reports indicate that the military has continued its attacks even after the earthquake, raising fears among residents. Experts suggest that the earthquake may alter the dynamics of the civil war, with the National Unity Government calling for a temporary ceasefire, although it does not represent all rebel factions.
The response of General Min Aung Hlaing and his military leadership in the coming days will be crucial. Analysts suggest that the military may be at a tipping point, facing significant challenges in maintaining control amid the ongoing crisis.
Richard Horsey, a senior adviser for the International Crisis Group, described the earthquake as a critical moment for the military regime, indicating that the political ramifications could be profound.