Death Toll Rises to 17 in Bangkok Earthquake Aftermath - Myanmar Opposition Calls for Ceasefire

In the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck Southeast Asia, the situation remains chaotic as rescue efforts continue. The confirmed death toll in Bangkok, Thailand, has now reached 17, with authorities reporting that 83 individuals are still unaccounted for and 32 others have sustained injuries.

The earthquake, which occurred on Friday with its epicenter in Myanmar, measured 7.7 on the Richter scale. Search and rescue teams are focusing their efforts on a collapsed high-rise building in Bangkok, where it is feared that more victims may be buried under the rubble. Initially, ten fatalities were confirmed, but as the rescue operations progressed, the numbers rose.

Rescue workers, equipped with search dogs, have been tirelessly combing through the debris, hoping to find survivors. Early on Sunday morning, they recovered the body of a construction worker from the wreckage of the collapsed structure. The building, a 30-story high-rise under construction, collapsed during the intense tremors that affected the region.

The earthquake's strongest tremors were felt near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, followed by aftershocks measuring between 6.5 and 6.7 in magnitude. The seismic events were felt across various parts of Southeast Asia, including China and Vietnam, prompting widespread alarm.

Amid the chaos, the Myanmar military government has reported 1,644 fatalities and around 3,400 injuries within its borders, though experts suggest that the actual numbers may be significantly higher. Reports from the affected regions indicate that numerous buildings have collapsed, including a hospital in Shan State and a control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport, resulting in additional casualties.

In response to the crisis, the National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow government formed by opposition groups in Myanmar after the military coup in 2021, has declared a unilateral ceasefire for two weeks to facilitate rescue efforts. However, they have specified that defensive actions will continue as needed. Notably, the military junta has reportedly resumed its offensive operations against rebel groups soon after the quake.

International aid is starting to arrive, with neighbors like China and India offering assistance. Reports indicate that the Chinese government has dispatched disaster relief teams equipped with specialized equipment to Myanmar, where they have begun rescue operations. In one instance, a Chinese team rescued a man trapped under debris in Naypyitaw after 40 hours.

In addition, the Malteser International organization from Germany has sent a rapid response team to assist in the relief operations. The Thai government has also committed to sending specialized rescue teams to Myanmar to aid in damage assessment and recovery efforts. Indian authorities, meanwhile, have delivered 15 tons of relief supplies, including tents and medical equipment, to Yangon.

The ongoing situation poses significant challenges as the region grapples with natural disasters and humanitarian crises, particularly in Myanmar, where ongoing civil conflict complicates response efforts.