Just Hoping They Are Alive... Heartfelt Prayers and Wailing in Myanmar

The death toll from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on the 28th (local time) has surpassed 2,000.

On the 30th, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the Myanmar military government confirmed at least 2,028 deaths and 3,408 injuries.

Critical 72-Hour Window Approaching... Death Toll Expected to Surge, "At Least 10,000 Predicted"

WSJ predicted that the number of fatalities would rise sharply as the critical 72-hour "golden time" for survival of those trapped under the rubble draws near.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated a 71% probability that the earthquake death toll could exceed 10,000. The probability of more than 100,000 deaths was 36%, and the chance of between 10,000 and 100,000 deaths was 35%. Economic losses from the earthquake are expected to surpass Myanmar's gross domestic product (GDP).

One of Buddhism's Three Great Sacred Sites Collapses... Temples Crumble Down

People are looking at the collapsed Maha Myat Muni Pagoda after an earthquake occurred in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 28, 2025. Photo by EPA

Where Are the Children... Kindergartens Vanish Without a Trace

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on the 28th (local time), causing a two-story kindergarten building in central Myanmar's Chawse city to collapse. Aung Chenmi (30), a local resident, said, "About 70 children attend this place," adding, "After the accident, villagers gathered to carry out rescue operations, and I understand that one teacher, one meal cook, and 13 kindergarten students have died." Yonhap News Agency

Searching for Survivors... Desperate Rescue Efforts

The Chinese search and rescue team is evacuating a pregnant survivor from a collapsed building after an earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar. Photo by Xinhua News Agency AP Yonhap News

Kara Bragg, the Myanmar manager for Catholic Relief Services, said she received reports from colleagues in Mandalay that "at least 10,000 people are believed to have died."

Relief workers in Mandalay told WSJ that thousands of residents are sleeping outdoors and that there is a severe shortage of water, food, and essential supplies. Since the earthquake, Mandalay has been without electricity.

Wave of International Aid... Volunteers Conduct Bare-Handed Rescues

Thailand, China, India, Russia, the United Nations, and others have provided relief supplies and personnel to Myanmar. However, due to severely damaged infrastructure and communication failures, international aid is struggling to reach those in need. WSJ reported that local volunteers conducting initial search and rescue operations are digging through rubble with their bare hands, without heavy machinery or protective equipment.

On March 30, 2025, employees at Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, Yunnan Province, southwestern China, are loading relief supplies onto a chartered plane. Photo by Xinhua News Agency

Amid this, as the international community and countries around the world have pledged support for Myanmar, rescue personnel and supplies are also arriving in Myanmar one after another. So far, China, Russia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have dispatched personnel along with relief supplies. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has been suffering from civil war, and the earthquake has further compounded the suffering of its people. According to the United Nations, about 3.5 million people have become refugees due to the civil war. The Myanmar military appears to be continuing airstrikes against rebel forces even after the earthquake. On this day, Reuters reported that the Karen National Union (KNU), one of the main rebel groups opposing the Myanmar military, stated in a declaration, "Despite the immense suffering of the people caused by the earthquake, the military regime continues to carry out airstrikes targeting civilian areas."

WHO Declares 'Emergency'... International Organizations Urge Immediate Funding

International organizations have called for urgent support for Myanmar. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Myanmar earthquake a "Grade 3 Emergency," the highest level, and requested $8 million in emergency funding. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) also launched an emergency fundraising campaign of 100 million Swiss francs (about 170 billion won) to aid the victims of the Myanmar earthquake.

Michael Dunford, Myanmar director for the World Food Programme (WFP), said initial assessments indicate that $15 million to $20 million per month will be needed through the end of June. However, with major donor countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom reducing funding to the United Nations, securing such support is expected to be difficult.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies issued an emergency appeal for over 100 million dollars to assist victims of the major earthquake that occurred in Myanmar on March 30, 2025. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

They fear that the damage will worsen as rescue operations are delayed. WHO stated, "If immediate funding is not provided, more lives will be lost, and the already fragile healthcare system is at risk of collapsing." IFRC said, "With temperatures rising and the monsoon season just weeks away, urgent support is needed before a secondary crisis emerges."

At around 12:50 p.m. on the 28th, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck a point 33 kilometers southwest of Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city. The quake also caused the collapse of a 30-story building under construction in Bangkok, Thailand, resulting in casualties. According to Bangkok authorities, 17 people died and 32 were injured.