A 26-year-old man was rescued alive from the rubble of a hotel in Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital, five days after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the region. This rare rescue occurred amid a rising death toll, which has now surpassed 2,700 and is expected to exceed 3,000 as search and recovery efforts continue.
The earthquake, which struck on March 28, 2025, caused widespread destruction across Myanmar, flattening buildings and leaving thousands homeless. Rescue operations have been hampered by ongoing civil conflict, infrastructure damage, and limited resources. Despite these challenges, international aid is beginning to arrive, with contributions from countries including Australia, India, China, and Russia.
Humanitarian organizations are emphasizing the urgent need for food, water, shelter, and medical supplies. The United Nations has allocated emergency funding to address these needs, but the response remains critically underfunded. The approaching monsoon season further exacerbates the situation, raising concerns about potential disease outbreaks and complicating relief efforts.
In response to the crisis, several resistance groups have declared partial ceasefires to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. However, reports indicate that military operations continue in certain areas, posing additional risks to both survivors and aid workers.
The international community is urged to provide immediate assistance to support ongoing relief efforts and address the immense humanitarian needs resulting from this disaster.
