Myanmar earthquake: Death toll feared to reach 100k as number of confirmed victims rises | World | News
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a red alert following the 8.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday and the strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock that hit the nation some 12 minutes later. Earlier this morning, the organisation said the death toll following such a devastating quake has over 30% chances of ranging between 1,000 and 100,000.
According to the USGS website, the earthquake has been given a IX intensity rating, with violent shaking and heavy damage. “Red alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses,” the website explains. “High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread. It added that “past red alerts have required a national or international response”.
In Myanmar alone, at least 144 people have been confirmed dead as of Friday afternoon and over 730 injured. At least three people died after a mosque in the country partially collapsed.
A member of a rescue team based in Mandalay, Myanmar, has said “the damage is enormous”.
As rescue efforts continue, they told the BBC: “The number of deaths is also quite high. That’s all we can say right now because the rescue efforts are ongoing. The exact number of casualties is not yet known, but it is at least in the hundreds.”
Dr Yan Naing at Mandalay Hospital also revealed that 19 people have died and at least 200 people are already at the hospital.
“There aren’t enough doctors and space,” he said.
At least three people have also died in Bangkok, the Thai defence minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has confirmed. The fatalities were at the site where an under-construction high-rise collapsed.
