More than 1600 killed in Myanmar quake as UN backs rescue efforts

More than 1,600 people are now known to have been killed in Myanmar, with thousands injured following two powerful earthquakes on Friday, which have left hundreds trapped under rubble, according to the United Nations.

The earthquakes of 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude struck central Myanmar northwest of Sagaing.

The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reported on Saturday that hospitals in the area are overwhelmed with extensive damage to health infrastructure.

The areas affected are: Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Northeastern Shan and Sagaing.

Internet communications are down in the main city of Mandalay, with land and air routes heavily disrupted.

Health partners are preparing to deploy mobile surgical and medical teams, as well as field hospitals to the affected areas, to deliver life and limb-saving medical interventions to earthquake victims.

News reports indicate that hundreds of people are trapped under rubble in multiple collapsed buildings, including at least 50 construction workers in the Thai capital, Bangkok who are so far unaccounted for.

More than 90 people are reportedly trapped in the rubble of one apartment block in Mandalay.

Around 1,69 houses, 670 monasteries, 60 schools and three bridges are reported to be damaged, with concerns for the structural integrity of large-scale dams.

Myanmar has been mired in a brutal civil war since a severe military crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators by military authorities, who overthrew the government in a military coup in February 2021.

The military has requested the international community to provide emergency assistance amid the widespread destruction and loss of life.

Meanwhile, opposition forces are reporting that some airstrikes have continued following the quake, including one in the Sagaing region.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is looking to move Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) into Myanmar amid reports of insufficient medical supplies, including trauma kits to treat injured people, blood bags for transfusion, anaesthetics, assisted devices, other essential medicines, and tents for health workers.

Marcoluigi Corsi, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Myanmar, issued a statement on Saturday expressing his unwavering solidarity with the Burmese people at this tragic time.

"The UN and its partners are urgently mobilizing to support emergency response efforts and stand ready to assist all affected communities wherever they are," he said.

In an interview with UN News, a media website, from Myanmar largest city, Yangon, Corsi said that around 20 million people have been impacted by the quake.

He stressed that the UN and partner agencies have a significant presence in the disaster-affected areas around Mandalay and the capital, Naypyidaw, and crucially, the immediate aid effort can draw stockpiles already in place.

"I would say that although the logistical challenges for the first few days continue, at least we will be able to deliver and assist," he said.

The country is grappling with multiple crises, he stressed, with 19.9 million people in need of assistance even before the earthquake.

Only five per cent of the 2025 humanitarian response plan has been funded.