Death toll from Myanmar earthquake rises over 1,600

Survivors dig through collapsed buildings in desperate hunt for loved ones as rescuers struggle to reach stricken cities

- SHWETA SHARMA

The confirmed death toll from a devastating earthquake in Myanmar rose to more than 1,600 yesterday, according to state television.

The new total of 1,644 represented a sharp rise from the 1,002 announced just hours earlier, underlining the difficulty of confirming casualties over a widespread area and the likelihood that the numbers will continue to grow after Friday’s 7.7magnitude quake.

The number of injured increased to 3,408, while the missing figure rose to 139.

Rescue efforts are under way, especially in the major stricken cities of Mandalay and Naypyitaw, the capital. But even though teams and equipment have been flown in from other nations, they are being hindered by the airports in those cities being damaged and apparently unfit to land planes.

A state of emergency has been declared in six regions and states in Myanmar by the military-run government. Myanmar is in the throes of a prolonged and bloody civil war, which is already responsible for a massive humanitarian crisis.

It makes movement around the country both difficult and dangerous, complicating relief efforts and raising fears that the death toll could still rise precipitously.

The earthquake struck at midday on Friday with an epicentre not far from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second biggest city, sending buildings in many areas toppling to the ground and causing widespread damage.

The earthquake also shook neighbouring Thailand, killing six people and injuring 26 at three construction sites, including one in the capital, Bangkok, where a partially built high-rise collapsed. Another 47 people were still missing, authorities said yesterday.