Myanmar earthquake death toll jumps to 1,644, could reach 10,000

Myanmar earthquake death toll jumps to 1,644, could reach 10,000

The death toll from a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Southeast Asia on Friday drastically climbed on Saturday with reports of 1,644 dead in Myanmar and predictive modeling showing the true toll could reach 10,000.

The quake struck around lunchtime on Friday, destroying buildings and bridges. Hundreds of search-and-rescue personnel from other countries entered Myanmar on Saturday to continue the grueling search for survivors and victims.

Htet Min Oo, 25, told Reuters he was dragged out from under a collapsed wall in Mandalay by other residents and tried to search the rubble for his grandmother and uncles, but eventually gave up.

“I don’t know if they are still alive under the debris,” he said in tears. “After so long, I don’t think there’s any hope.”

About 600 miles from the quake’s epicenter, a high-rise building collapse trapped construction workers in Bangkok, Thailand. Crews were using excavators, drones and dogs to search the debris on Saturday. At least 47 people are missing in the rubble, including workers from Myanmar.

“We always have hope,” Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters. “We’re still working around the clock.”

Death toll soars as search continues

Myanmar’s military government said Saturday there were 1,644 people confirmed dead so far in the country following the earthquake, according to Agence France-Presse. In Thailand, at least nine people were killed.

According to predictive modeling by the U.S. Geological Survey, the death toll could reach at least 10,000 people. Much of the population lives in structures that are vulnerable to shaking from quakes, USGS said. Its predictions also show the damage caused by the quake could exceed the annual economic output.

“High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread,” according to the USGS.

The death toll is up from an early count on Friday of about 150 as Myanmar’s military government leaders warned it would rise.

Aid, rescue teams pour into Myanmar

Hundreds entered Myanmar on Saturday to help with search and rescue, while humanitarian groups said destroyed roads were hindering their ability to deliver aid to parts of the country.

“Damage to the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay expressway led to service disruptions, with cracks and surface distortions forcing highway buses to halt operations,” United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement Saturday.

Countries including Russia, Malaysia, India, China and Singapore all pledged aid and personnel to Myanmar in the wake of the earthquake. Chinese President Xi Jinping said the country would provide $13.77 million worth of aid, including tents, blankets and emergency medical kits.

President Donald Trump also said Friday the U.S. would help Myanmar’s recovery despite testy relations between the countries, including recent cuts to foreign aid from the U.S. and sanctions on Myanmar’s officials.

“We’re going to be helping,” Trump said Friday. “We’ve already spoken with the country.”

Source: USA TODAY