Rescue teams continue their desperate search for survivors following a catastrophic earthquake in Myanmar that has claimed at least 1,644 lives and injured thousands more. The powerful 7.7-magnitude quake struck on Friday, leaving countless buildings devastated and communities in shock.

Despite limited resources, including protective equipment, emergency responders have been working tirelessly, often using their hands to dig through the rubble in hopes of finding those still alive. A glimmer of hope emerged when a 30-year-old woman, Phyu Lay Khaing, was rescued after being trapped under the debris of the Sky Villa Condominium in Mandalay for over 30 hours. She was quickly taken to the hospital, where her husband, Ye Aung, reunited with her, providing a moment of relief in the midst of tragedy. However, concerns persist as over 90 individuals may still be trapped within the ruins of the collapsed building.

In neighboring Thailand, authorities continue their search for construction workers unaccounted for after a 30-story building collapsed in Bangkok. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt expressed optimism that there may be survivors, stating that heavy machinery is being deployed to clear access to the wreckage. This incident has resulted in at least 10 deaths, with dozens more reported missing.

The scope of the destruction in Myanmar is vast, with the ruling military junta confirming 1,644 fatalities and more than 3,400 injuries, with many still unaccounted for. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has made a rare appeal for international assistance, declaring a state of emergency in six regions of the country. Aid is beginning to arrive, with countries like Russia, China, India and Malaysia sending rescue teams and supplies.

However, the delivery of aid is complicated by ongoing conflict in Myanmar, where the military government has faced significant resistance since a coup in 2021. Humanitarian groups note that the junta has historically impeded aid from reaching areas controlled by opposition forces. The World Food Programme's Michael Dunford described the current situation as highly challenging and warned that it could take days or weeks to fully assess the disaster's impact.

Reports indicate that extensive damage has been inflicted on hospitals, infrastructure, major bridges, and even historical sites. A second tremor, a 6.7-magnitude aftershock, further heightened fears and uncertainty in the region. Residents in Mandalay are opting to sleep outdoors, either due to the collapse of their homes or in anticipation of further seismic activity.

At this critical juncture, Myanmar's military leaders have opened the door for foreign assistance, inviting countries and organizations to help with relief efforts. Yet there are concerns about the junta's past actions that have delayed humanitarian aid. Prompt and unhindered access for aid workers is deemed essential by the Norwegian Refugee Council.

As the world watches, the urgent need for support and effective rescue operations remains paramount in the face of one of the most severe natural disasters to strike Myanmar in decades. While the international community begins to mobilize aid, many victims are wondering when and how help will finally reach them.