Myanmar quake death toll rises to 1,700 as rescuers scramble to find survivors

Rescue efforts are underway in Myanmar after a devastating 77magnitude earthquake struck the country killing at least 1700 people and leaving widespread destruction in its wake The quake which was felt as far away as Bangkok and Chinese provinces has left many more injured or trapped under rubble CNN reportedAt least 1700 people are dead and around 3400 injured according to the countrys military government Nearly 300 others remain missingThe United States Geological Survey USGS estimated that the final death toll could surpass 10000 people based on early modeling as per CNNThe earthquakes epicenter was located in Myanmars central Sagaing region near the historic city of Mandalay The region home to over 15 million people has been severely affected with multiple buildings bridges and temples destroyed or damagedIn Bangkok the earthquakes impact was devastating with at least 18 people killed and dozens more trapped under the rubble of a collapsed highrise building The building which was under construction came crashing down in a matter of minutes claiming the lives of 11 peopleAccording to CNN seven more fatalities were reported elsewhere in the capital as authorities scrambled to respond to the disaster Search and rescue operations are ongoing with around 80 people still missing Families of the missing are gathering at the site of the collapsed building anxiously awaiting news of their loved onesThe earthquake that struck Myanmar was the most powerful to hit the country in over a century with a magnitude of 77 It was followed by a series of aftershocks including a 67magnitude tremor which continued to rattle the region throughout the weekendRescue teams are racing against time to reach those affected particularly in areas cut off by the collapse of a key bridge over the Irrawaddy River With many still unaccounted for experts fear that the true death toll may take weeks to emergeMeanwhile foreign aid and international rescue teams have started arriving in Myanmar after the military junta issued a rare plea for helpFridays quake was the deadliest natural disaster to hit the country in years and comes as Myanmar reels from a civil war that since 2021 has damaged communication networks battered health infrastructure and left millions without adequate food and shelterThe level of devastation that has wreaked in the country hasnt been seen in over a century in Asia according to an official from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies IFRCThe impact of the earthquake will be felt for the next few weeks Marie Manrique Myanmar program coordinator for the IFRC told CNNs Lynda Kinkade suggesting that the numbers of deaths and injuries were likely to rise as some people were still trapped under collapsed buildingsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever