Video footage from a recent earthquake in Myanmar has captured a harrowing moment for a family trapped in the rubble of their collapsed apartment building. The powerful 7.7-magnitude quake struck on Friday, causing widespread destruction in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city and near the epicenter.
In the video, two girls, aged 13 and 16, are seen alongside their injured grandmother, surrounded by debris after they fled from their sixth-floor apartment. As they attempted to escape via the emergency stairs, the building gave way, leaving them trapped. Initially, their father feared the worst, believing they had perished in the disaster. He took to social media, pleading for help to recover their bodies.
Fortunately, the girls had the presence of mind to grab their phones during the chaos. Their father later shared that they recorded videos, hoping that if they did not survive, their family would have a final message. They managed to hear voices of others trapped beneath them but were unable to communicate with rescuers outside.
As hours passed, the family struggled with despair, holding hands and crying together. Rescuers eventually reached them and managed to pass water through a small hole they created. However, they had to leave to gather more equipment, leaving the girls momentarily alone. In a brave attempt to escape, the sisters used a hammer to create a larger opening but struggled with the heavy debris.
Eventually, rescuers returned and successfully pulled the girls out. Their grandmother, 75, was still trapped and struggling to breathe, but she too was rescued later. The girls’ father expressed immense gratitude for their survival, crediting their strength and resilience during the ordeal.
As the rescue efforts continue, the situation remains dire. Reports indicate that over 2,000 people have died in Myanmar due to the earthquake, with many more still unaccounted for. The devastation extends beyond the immediate area, affecting infrastructure and complicating rescue operations. The United Nations is rushing aid to survivors, but damaged roads and ongoing civil conflict in the country are hindering relief efforts.
With hopes of finding more survivors fading after 72 hours, the community and international organizations are mobilizing to provide assistance to those in need. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of lives in disaster-prone regions and the importance of preparedness and support in times of crisis.