Rescue Teams Save Earthquake Victim Alive After 40 Hours Under Rubble as Myanmar Faces Rising Death Toll and Aftershocks

Naypyidaw, Myanmar – A remarkable rescue operation unfolded in Myanmar as a man was pulled out alive after being trapped under debris for 40 hours following the catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake. The survivor was rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building in Naypyidaw by emergency response teams from Myanmar and Singapore on Sunday, according to reports from the country’s military-run television station.

Rescue personnel, including members of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the Myanmar Fire Services Department, worked for nearly 24 hours to free the man. MRTV, Myanmar’s state broadcaster, captured the dramatic moment when the survivor was safely extracted from the wreckage, offering a rare glimmer of hope amid the widespread devastation.

Rising Death Toll and Humanitarian Crisis

The earthquake, which struck on Friday, is one of the most powerful recorded in Myanmar in a century. The latest official count confirms that at least 1,700 people have died, with 3,400 others injured. Experts fear the final toll may be much higher, as many remain missing beneath collapsed buildings and infrastructure. The U.S. Geological Survey has projected that fatalities could surpass 10,000, with economic losses potentially exceeding the nation’s annual GDP.

The disaster has overwhelmed Myanmar’s already fragile healthcare system. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the ruling junta, urged all medical personnel—both military and civilian—to work together to ensure a coordinated emergency response. Hospitals, makeshift clinics, and aid organizations are struggling to provide treatment amid severe shortages of medical supplies.

Myanmar Rocked by Aftershocks

As rescue operations continue, the country remains on edge due to frequent aftershocks. On Sunday, a 5.1-magnitude tremor struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, sending frightened residents fleeing into the streets. The seismic activity has compounded fears of further building collapses and hampered relief efforts in already hard-hit areas.

International Aid and Assistance

In response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis, Myanmar’s neighboring countries have stepped in to provide emergency assistance. Several nations, including China, Thailand, and India, have dispatched rescue personnel, medical teams, and essential supplies such as food, tents, and medical kits. Warships and aircraft loaded with relief materials have also been deployed to support the ongoing efforts.

Despite the international response, the earthquake has deepened Myanmar’s existing challenges, including political instability and ongoing civil conflict. Access to certain regions remains difficult, as infrastructure damage and security concerns continue to impede aid distribution.

Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Adversity

With many individuals still trapped under debris, search-and-rescue operations remain a top priority. Emergency teams are employing advanced technology, such as X-ray machines and thermal imaging, to detect signs of life beneath the wreckage. However, time is running out for those still buried under collapsed buildings.

As the country reels from the disaster, international humanitarian organizations stress the urgent need for sustained aid and long-term recovery plans. The coming days will be crucial in determining the full extent of the destruction and the support required to rebuild communities devastated by the earthquake.

For now, the successful rescue of one survivor after 40 grueling hours offers a beacon of hope amidst the ongoing tragedy, as Myanmar grapples with one of its deadliest natural disasters in recent history.