Rescuers in Myanmar face mounting challenges as the 72-hour 'golden window' for earthquake survivor recovery closes, compounded by blistering 40°C heat in Mandalay. Food and medical supplies are reportedly spoiling before reaching affected communities, with experts warning of escalating health risks and logistical hurdles.
"Extreme temperatures accelerate decomposition while weakening survivors' immune systems – this becomes a battle against both nature and time," said Liu Junzhi, associate professor at Beijing Normal University’s School of National Safety and Emergency Management in Zhuhai, located in the Chinese mainland. Local authorities report coordination efforts with international aid organizations to establish mobile cooling stations and expedite deliveries.
The magnitude 5.8 quake struck near Myanmar’s cultural capital Mandalay earlier this week, damaging infrastructure across central regions. With over 120 confirmed fatalities and hundreds injured, relief teams now prioritize preventing waterborne diseases spread through compromised sanitation systems.
Global health organizations have deployed rapid-response units specializing in tropical climate disasters, while regional neighbors prepare emergency medical shipments. Analysts note this disaster could test Myanmar’s disaster management systems amid broader economic pressures across Southeast Asia.
