Myanmar Earthquake Latest Developments: The death toll in Myanmar has risen to at least 1700 after a massive 7.7 earthquake hit the country on Friday. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) gave an estimation of the final death toll which could reach 10,000 people, according to CNN.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the central Sagaing region, which is near the historic Mandalay city. Many videos of buildings, bridges collapsing have been doing the rounds of social media, showing that the impact was truly devastating. A high-rise building which under construction had come crashing down within a matter of minutes. Reuters report says that around 11 people were killed when the building became a rubble.

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Here are latest updates on Myanmar Earthquake:

  • According to a New York Times report, While most of the countries have been sending aid to the earthquake-hit Myanmar, Trump, who had promised the same two days ago, is yet to send any help. The report said that a 3-person USAID team is not expected to reach in Myanmar until Wednesday. The overall response has been slower from the US as compared to other countries like China, Russia and India, who have already sent their teams and supplies.
  • At least 7 more people have been reported to be killed in the capital as authorities continues their search and rescue operations, as per CNN. 80 people are still missing and their families have been gathering at the collapsed building site awaiting the news of their loved ones.
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  • What came as a shock to most of the countrymen was when Karen National Union, one of the oldest ethnic armies of Myanmar, claimed that the armed resistance movement- junta – continued to carry airstrikes in civilian areas, even when the population was reeling from the devastating impact of the earthquake. A Reuters report said that in normal conditions, the group would have been giving priority to the relief efforts, but instead it was deploying forces to attack the people.
  • WHO on Sunday classified earthquake-hit Myanmar as grade 3 emergency and called it ‘top level’. It further said that since the surgical capacity in the country is limited, the casualties are high and trauma injuries are at even higher risk of infections.

(With Agency Inputs)