The death toll in the powerful 7.7 earthquake that hit Myanmar on Friday has already crossed 1,000. Myanmar’s military government has confirmed that 1,002 people have died and 2,376 were injured. Hospitals in Mandalay and other cities of Myanmar are full, with injured patients still being brought in. The army spokesperson said that the numbers of dead and injured could still rise, as detailed figures are still being collected. Rescuers are digging through the rubble of collapsed buildings in search of survivors. The 7.7 magnitude quake was soon followed by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock destroying buildings, roads, bridges and even a dam. In neighbouring Thailand, the quake toppled several high-rise buildings, but the death toll there is four, with 26 injured and 17 others missing. The exact scale of this natural disaster is yet to emerge with communications snapped in most parts of Myanmar. The military ruler Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing appealed for international aid to deal with the disaster on a war footing. China, Russia and India have sent relief planes with medicines, rescuers, detectors, tents, blankets, sleeping bags and food. There has been massive destruction in Myanmar’s second largest city, Mandalay, with a population of more than 17 lakhs. India has sent a search and rescue team, alongwith a medical team. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is expected to visit Thailand on April 3 and 4, to attend the BIMSTEC summit, has expressed concern over the devastation. Modi has asked the External Affairs ministry to be in touch with both governments. Thailand is getting aid from European countries, but the military junta in Myanmar is facing problems in getting aid. India is ready to provide all relief and assistance to Myanmar. A true friend is known in times of crisis and India is surely going to help its neighbour.Â
