A devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar last month has left a trail of destruction, displacing tens of thousands and causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. The United Nations has warned that urgent and large-scale efforts will be needed to remove debris in the aftermath of the 7.7-magnitude quake, which has already claimed more than 3,600 lives.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP), in a statement issued Monday, highlighted that approximately two and a half million tonnes of debris, equivalent to 125,000 truckloads, will need to be cleared to aid recovery efforts in the region. Remote sensing data collected by the UNDP has revealed the extent of the devastation in key areas, particularly in the central cities of Mandalay and Sagaing, which have been severely impacted.
The earthquake, which struck two weeks ago, has left over 60,000 people seeking shelter in temporary displacement camps, with many too fearful to return to their damaged homes. The situation has been worsened by disrupted transport connectivity and non-functional water supplies, according to Titon Mitra, UNDP’s resident representative in Myanmar.
The quake has exposed significant vulnerabilities in Myanmar’s infrastructure. According to the UNDP’s analysis, around 1.6 million buildings were located in areas that experienced the most intense shaking. Many of these buildings were not designed to withstand such a powerful seismic event, resulting in widespread destruction.
The UNDP also noted that more than 10,000 homes and public service buildings have been either significantly damaged or completely destroyed. Among the most concerning impacts is the damage to health facilities, with 128 health centers severely affected. The destruction of these facilities raises serious concerns about the country’s capacity to provide critical medical care to the affected population.
In the wake of the quake, Mitra stressed the importance of rapidly verifying the satellite data with on-the-ground assessments. He emphasized that the UNDP’s analysis, which combined satellite data with other sources, paints a troubling picture of the disaster’s scope. “It’s critical that we rapidly verify on the ground this view from on high,” Mitra said.
The situation remains dire, with the need for immediate relief and reconstruction efforts to address the widespread devastation. The international community, along with local authorities, is expected to step up support for the recovery process in the coming weeks.
As Myanmar continues to cope with the aftermath of the disaster, the UN has called for global solidarity and assistance to ensure that the affected populations can rebuild their lives in the face of this immense challenge.
Sources By Agencies
