Myanmar⁢ Earthquake Death Toll Nears 3,000; Rescue‌ Efforts Continue

MANDALAY, Myanmar (AP) – The death toll from ‌the magnitude 7.7 earthquake ⁣that struck near ‍Mandalay,⁣ Myanmar, on⁢ March 28, has risen to nearly 3,000, officials reported ‍Monday. Five days after the‌ quake, residents continue to grapple with aftershocks and homelessness ‌amid a severe heatwave, with ‌temperatures ‌exceeding 104 degrees⁤ Fahrenheit ‌(40 degrees Celsius).

Rising ‌Casualties and ⁣Ongoing‌ Search‌ Efforts

China Central Television (CCTV) reported the⁤ official death toll had reached 2,719. Citing military sources, CCTV indicated that the number of injured is expected to climb to⁣ 4,521, with 441 people still ‌missing.‌ Authorities fear the total number of‍ fatalities could surpass 3,000.

Despite the ‌grim circumstances, rescue ​teams continue their ‌desperate search for⁣ survivors.The ⁣Associated ⁤Press reported that fire authorities in Myanmar’s capital, Nepido, successfully ⁤rescued a 63-year-old woman who had ​been trapped for 91 hours.

Hospitals⁤ Overwhelmed, Citizens displaced

AFP News reported that hospitals are ⁢struggling to cope with ⁢the ​influx⁢ of injured. A doctor at Mandalay General Hospital described the situation as “very incomplete ⁢to everyone,” with ⁣many​ patients being treated in the hospital’s ‍outdoor parking lot. Only those requiring intensive care are being treated indoors due to safety concerns. Many residents are spending nights in the streets or on school grounds, fearing further building​ collapses.

AI Assesses ​Widespread Damage

Microsoft⁣ utilized satellite imagery and artificial intelligence (AI) to assess the extent of the damage in the Mandalay ​area. Their⁤ analysis revealed that an estimated 515 buildings sustained between⁢ 80% and 100% destruction, ⁢while another 1,524 ‍buildings suffered damage ranging from 20% ‍to 80%.

Korean man’s Heroic Act in Bangkok

In ⁤a related⁣ incident, ⁢Thai media highlighted the bravery of Kwon Young-joon, 38, a ⁤Korean ‍man⁤ residing⁤ in Bangkok, Thailand. According to‌ Tyras TV, Kwon, who⁤ lives ⁣with​ his ⁢Thai wife and newborn⁤ daughter, was exercising ‌at a fitness​ center in a high-rise⁤ condominium ⁣when the earthquake struck.To⁢ reach his⁢ family, Kwon ⁣jumped across a broken bridge on⁤ the 52nd floor of the building.

“After crossing the bridge, the ‍sound of ‘thumping’ was great, but⁣ I thought I should continue to run to my family,” ⁢Kwon told Tyras TV.