Rescued from the rubble

A PREGNANT woman was rescued from a collapsed building yesterday as desperate efforts continue to find survivors of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar.

- By Allister Hagger

Dozens are feared to be still trapped three days after the huge tremor which has killed more than 2,000 people in the country and at least 18 in neighbouring Thailand.

The true death toll is unknown but expected to rise sharply, particularly in Myanmar where access is difficult in the military-run nation.

More than 10,000 buildings were destroyed or severely damaged, according to the United Nations.

The pregnant woman was saved by a Chinese search and rescue team in Myanmar's second city of Mandalay.

Chinese rescuers are also reported to have freed five others, including a child, from the rubble.

They are among numerous international teams that have arrived to help the stricken nation. Other countries with personnel assisting include Russia, India, Malaysia and Thailand. Britain, the US, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and others have announced millions in aid.