Deadly Myanmar Earthquake Unleashes Energy of 334 Atomic Bombs

A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, leaving a trail of devastation and taking the lives of around 1,700 people. The earthquake, measured at 7.7 in magnitude, has been described as one of the deadliest in recent years. According to leading American geologist Jess Phoenix, the energy released by the quake was equivalent to 334 atomic bombs. She also warned that aftershocks could persist for months as the Indian tectonic plate continues to collide with the Eurasian plate beneath Myanmar. The ongoing civil war in the country is making rescue efforts even more challenging, further worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Rescue operations are still underway in Mandalay and surrounding areas, but as the hours pass, the hope of finding survivors is fading. The extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), is making conditions unbearable for both rescue workers and survivors. Many people have been forced to sleep in the open, fearing further aftershocks that continue to shake the region. The heat is also accelerating body decomposition, making identification efforts more difficult for authorities. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched an emergency appeal for more than $100 million to provide aid to victims, as the crisis worsens by the hour.

In Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city with a population of over 1.7 million, the destruction is overwhelming. Buildings have crumbled, bridges have collapsed, and roads have buckled, leaving thousands without shelter. One of the most heart-wrenching moments occurred at a collapsed apartment block, where rescuers believed they had saved a pregnant woman trapped under the rubble for more than 55 hours. They had to amputate her leg to free her, but after pulling her out, she was pronounced dead. "We tried everything to save her," said a medical responder. However, she had lost too much blood due to the amputation.

Amid the devastation, Muslim worshippers in Mandalay gathered near a destroyed mosque for the first Eid al-Fitr prayer after Ramadan. The tragedy of the earthquake has overshadowed the usually joyful occasion, as hundreds of families prepare for funerals instead of celebrations. Funerals for the earthquake victims are expected to take place throughout Monday, with families mourning their lost loved ones in a time of immense sorrow.

The earthquake struck near Mandalay early Friday afternoon, followed just minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock. The tremors were powerful enough to bring down buildings, damage infrastructure, and cause landslides. Central Myanmar suffered some of the worst destruction, with roads and bridges completely cut off. Many areas remain inaccessible, leaving survivors stranded without access to food, water, or medical aid.

Myanmar was already struggling with severe challenges before the earthquake hit. The country has been in turmoil since the military coup in 2021, which led to a civil war that has displaced over 3.5 million people. Even in the wake of this natural disaster, reports have emerged of sporadic fighting between rebel groups and the military. On Sunday, one rebel group reported that seven of its fighters were killed in an aerial attack, just hours after the earthquake struck. The ongoing conflict is making relief efforts difficult, as both government forces and opposition groups are engaged in hostilities despite the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

The rising temperatures and the approaching monsoon season are expected to create even more challenges for survivors. The threat of disease outbreaks is growing as displaced people are forced to live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. With food and clean water in short supply, aid agencies are warning that a secondary humanitarian crisis could develop in the coming weeks. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has stated that needs are growing by the hour and that urgent international assistance is required to prevent further suffering.

This earthquake has not only shaken Myanmar physically but has also deepened the suffering of its people, who have already endured years of conflict and hardship. The scale of destruction is yet to be fully assessed, but one thing is clear—the road to recovery will be long and difficult. As the world watches, it is crucial for the international community to step in and provide much-needed assistance. Myanmar is facing a crisis unlike any before, and without immediate support, the situation could become even more catastrophic.

The people of Myanmar are resilient, but they cannot rebuild alone. Rescue operations must continue, and humanitarian aid must reach those in desperate need. As aftershocks continue to rattle the region and the monsoon season looms, time is running out. The world must not look away.