Earthquake News / The stench of rotting corpses is spreading in Myanmar, 1,700 people have died so far

Earthquake News: A 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar has brought the city to the brink of ruin. The debris scattered all around and the bodies lying on the streets are spreading foul smell. People are searching for their relatives, while relief work is being affected by communication disruption and collapse of infrastructure.

The epicenter of this devastating earthquake was near Mandalay, due to which many multi-storey buildings were razed to the ground. Relief workers are facing difficulties in reaching the affected areas due to the collapse of bridges and broken roads. Disaster management has become even more difficult in a country already battling civil war.

Local people are forced to remove the debris with their hands without any heavy machinery. Rescue work is slowing down due to the scorching heat. The 5.1 magnitude tremor on Sunday further increased the fear, but the relief operation continues.

Thousands of Mandalay's 15 lakh residents have become homeless and many are forced to spend nights on the streets. The earthquake's effects were felt as far as neighbouring Thailand, where at least 17 people were killed. The continuous tremors forced people to stay away from unstable buildings.

International aid and relief efforts

Foreign aid has begun arriving in Myanmar. India has sent two military aircraft carrying relief supplies and a team of 120 soldiers, which is setting up an emergency treatment centre in northern Mandalay. Yangon has become a major hub for international aid, with help coming from other countries as well.

However, there are still many challenges in rescuing people trapped under the rubble. According to the US Geological Survey, the death toll could reach 10,000, and the disaster could severely impact Myanmar's economy.