Myanmar quake death toll reaches 1,644; many trapped
BANGKOK: At least 1,644 people are confirmed dead in Myanmar after the earthquake, Myanmar Now news outlet reported on Saturday, citing the military leadership.
According to reports, more than 3,400 people in Myanmar have been injured, with hundreds feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar on Friday at a depth of 10 kilometres, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. It was followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock.
The tremors were also felt in Thailand, China and Vietnam.
There are fears that the death toll could be much higher, with a toll of more than 10,000 a possibility due to the proximity of populated areas and the vulnerability of structures.
International organisations such as the Red Cross have reported widespread damage and also warned that critical dams on the Irrawaddy River could be at risk of collapsing.
In Thailand, three people are confirmed dead, but media reported that 10 bodies had been recovered. At least 101 people are missing in Bangkok alone.
Rescue workers in the Thai capital have found signs of life beneath the rubble of an unfinished high-rise building that collapsed due to the massive earthquake, Thai media reported on Saturday.
Some 15 people are trapped under the debris in groups of three to seven, several media outlets reported, citing authorities.
Rescue teams are trying to bring them water and food, said Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the national disaster relief organisation, according to radio station Thai PBS.
But some of the survivors are trapped several metres below the surface.
"We have about 72 hours to help them because that is the approximate time a person can survive without water and food," Rawiwan said.
It is still unclear exactly how many people are buried under the remains of the 30-storey tower block, which was under construction when it collapsed on Friday.
People are waiting outside the site for news of their relatives, but the police asked the public to avoid gathering at the building so as not to hinder rescue work which involves heavy equipment.
Thai officials warned of the risk of aftershocks. The Thai Meteorological Department recorded further tremors a day after the severe quake. — dpa
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