Rescue operations in central Myanmar faced significant challenges on Thursday as powerful aftershocks disrupted efforts to locate survivors of a devastating magnitude-7.9 earthquake that struck the region on March 28. The quake, described as one of the strongest in the country’s recent history, has caused extensive structural damage, particularly to high-rise buildings like the Sky Villa residential complex in Mandalay.
“Every hour counts, but the ground keeps shaking,” said Min Thant, a volunteer rescue worker. Over 50 aftershocks above magnitude 4.0 have been recorded since the initial quake, complicating search efforts and raising fears of further collapses.
Disaster Response Underway
Myanmar’s Ministry of Social Welfare confirmed over 1,200 casualties, with numbers expected to rise. The Red Cross and neighboring countries, including Thailand and the Chinese mainland, have deployed emergency teams and supplies. Satellite imagery shows widespread damage to roads and bridges, slowing access to remote villages.
Building Safety Concerns
The partial collapse of the 22-story Sky Villa, a symbol of Mandalay’s rapid urbanization, has reignited debates about construction standards in earthquake-prone regions. Local authorities have launched inspections of similar structures across affected areas.
Weather forecasts of heavy rain in the coming days add urgency to rescue operations. Regional businesses and investors are assessing potential economic impacts, particularly on Myanmar’s critical agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
