Ongoing Rescue Works: Relief efforts in Mandalay following powerful earthquake

Rescue and relief measures continues in Mandalay, after the powerful earthquake caused widespread damage.

In addition, provisions of food and health care service are being provided to the affected communities.

Major damages have been reported at Masoeyein Taik Thit and Sky Villa, and rescue efforts are underway with the deployment of fire brigade members from Ayeyawady Region. 

Soe Moe Tun, Assistant Director, MaUbin District, said " We can save 48 survivors at Sky Villa on March 29, with 10 deaths. On the 30th, we found one more survivor. We are carrying out the rescue works in cooperation with the Fire Brigade members of Aung Myay Thazan Township, Pyin Oo Lwin Township and Central Fire Brigade Training School and 21 members of rescue team from China."

The rescue teams, with the help of monitoring equipment, to search for the survivors, and it is reported that many remain trapped under the debris.

Thein Tun Aung, Chairman, Nandaw Shae Social Rescue Organization, said " We are conducting the rescue measures with the effective cooperation among the rescue teams and social organizations. There remains many survivors, trapped under the debris. "

The March 28 earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7, is among the most powerful seismic events in the country's history. Historical records indicate that the most significant earthquake prior to this was in 1912, which struck near Pyin Oo Lwin. This earthquake was initially estimated at a magnitude of 8.0, though more recent evaluations have revised the magnitude to between 7.6 and 7.9.