By: Enya Fierens
Southeast Asia was shaken up by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on Friday, March. The epicenter was located in Myanmar, more specifically Mandalay. This is the country’s second largest city. The catastrophe caused massive amounts of destruction across this part of Asia, even reaching all the way to Bangkok, which is 600 miles away from the epicenter.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) teams have been working in the area and have revealed the unimaginable need for humanitarian help in the aftermath of this disaster. Partners working with IRC have been distributing much needed support to the communities hit by the earthquake. They are handing out water, hygiene kits, and critical medical assistance. One of the members from IRC even said, “We have never experienced anything like this.” People in Myanmar are sleeping outside due to a lack of shelter and because of fear for an aftershock. In some towns, up to 80% of buildings have been destroyed. There are only limited resources available and the hospitals are overwhelmed by the number of patients rushing in each day.
Although the earthquake occurred nearly a month ago, the number of casualties continue to rise each day as rescue workers dig through mountains of rubble and find more people. The death toll in Myanmar has climbed to a staggering 2,056 casualties, in addition to the 3,900 injured people. Still, 270 people are reported missing and have not been. In Bangkok, 13 people died in a collapsing building because of the shock.
The earthquake’s impact stretch far beyond the wreckage. A big problem for the recovery of the affected areas is that the United States refuses to help. Their absence is covered by international teams from China and Russia, but there is still a big gap needing to be filled. The USA is the country that has the most power and resources to help countries in need, and their refusal leaves Southeast Asia to fend for itself as it tries to rebuild its homes and cities.
