Voices from the Ruins: Hear the Stories of Resilience from Quake-Stricken Myanmar | CNN

A massive earthquake rocked Myanmar on Friday, causing significant devastation in a nation already strained by civil war and poverty. The quake’s impact is particularly alarming as it struck an area already grappling with the chaos of ongoing conflict between the military junta and pro-democracy groups.

As the country strives to assess the damage, the military government reported over 1,600 fatalities so far. However, experts believe the true death toll could be much higher, potentially taking weeks to uncover due to the war’s impact on communication and transportation.

Mandalay, with about 1.5 million residents, is at the earthquake’s epicenter. The chaos unfolded quickly. Reports from the ground describe scenes of destruction, with homes, places of worship, and roads severely damaged. A geologist highlighted the quake’s extraordinary power, suggesting it released energy equivalent to 334 atomic bombs.

Residents shared harrowing experiences of the event. One Mandalay woman recounted the terror of seeing her grandmother trapped under rubble. “It hit very strong and very fast,” she said. Many survived but are still waiting for news of loved ones who remain unaccounted for.

In nearby Sagaing, the destruction was also grave. Locals reported significant damage to structures, including a nunnery that collapsed while housing students; thankfully, while some were injured, none lost their lives. Hospitals quickly became overwhelmed, forcing injured individuals to seek help elsewhere, or in dire cases, to scavenge through debris on their own.

International response has been noticeably swift. In a departure from past practices, the junta’s leader, Min Aung Hlaing, reached out for help, and neighboring countries promptly began sending rescue teams and supplies. China was the first to respond, with teams touching down in Yangon to deliver essential aid. Singapore, Malaysia, India, and Russia followed with support offers.

Despite this help, it may take time for assistance to arrive in the remote and damaged areas. Locals are anxious about the prolonged wait and the fate of those still trapped. A former lawyer expressed frustration at being unable to locate friends and family. “My head is going to explode while waiting for calls from friends,” he lamented.

The earthquake, reportedly the most powerful in a century, occurred along the Sagaing Fault, a known geological danger zone. Experts are studying its implications. According to seismologist Jess Phoenix, events like this are part of nature’s rhythm and can be expected in vulnerable regions like Myanmar.

The consequences of such a disaster compound the existing struggles faced by civilians who already dealt with the ramifications of government mismanagement following the 2021 coup. In times of crisis, immediate and effective communication can save lives, but in Myanmar, decades of military rule have left the system fragile.

As the nation begins to comprehend the full scale of devastation, local and international communities await clarity on how to rebuild lives shattered by both nature and human conflict.

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