Myanmar’s eastern city of Mandalay has been devastated by a powerful earthquake that left tens of thousands without shelter, food or medical care. The scale of the disaster is dire, with many feared dead and missing, while others wait in desperation for aid.
The death toll from the quake has risen to 2,886, but this number may not reflect the true extent of the tragedy as many areas remain inaccessible to authorities. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, and historic sites such as the Mandalay Palace and Maha Muni Pagoda have been severely damaged.
Survivors, including women, children, and the elderly, are struggling to cope with the aftermath, forced to live in makeshift camps and sleeping outdoors due to destroyed homes. Many reported running out of food, water and medical supplies within hours of the quake striking.
“It’s like we’re living under a tree,” said Daw Khin Saw Myint, 72, waiting in line for water with her granddaughter. “We don’t have anyone to rescue us.”
Aid efforts are underway but are insufficient, leaving many scrambling to grab whatever relief is available. Local residents are often at risk of being apprehended by the military, who control the city.
For those brought into the hospital, it’s a desperate struggle for medical attention. With limited staff and supplies, families are taking on their own roles in providing care, while others wait anxiously outside collapsed buildings searching for loved ones.
“We may never find out what the real death toll was,” said Nan Sin Hein, waiting for news of her son trapped under rubble. “I just want to see his face, even if he’s dead.”
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ygpplz72yo