​The recent _7.7-magnitude earthquake _that struck Myanmar's central Sagaing region has resulted in a catastrophic loss of life and widespread devastation. With over 2,700 confirmed fatalities and thousands more injured or missing, the disaster has left communities in turmoil. Amidst the rubble, survivors have recounted harrowing tales of entrapment and endurance, shedding light on the profound human impact of this natural calamity

Survivors' Harrowing Experiences

In the aftermath of the earthquake, numerous individuals found themselves trapped beneath collapsed structures, facing life-threatening conditions. Among them were two teenage girlsand their grandmother, who were buried under the debris of their home. Using a butter knife, they tapped on the broken concrete and called out for help, enduring a grueling 15-hour wait before rescuers reached them.

Similarly, two women staying at a hotel in Mandalay described their ordeal of being ensnared in complete darkness. Relying on the light from a mobile phone, they managed to see their surroundings and support each other. After five agonizing hours, rescuers extricated them from the wreckage.

Tragic Losses in Communal Spaces

The earthquake's timing proved particularly tragic for certain groups. In Mandalay, over 160 monks were preparing for an examination at the U Hla Thein office when the building collapsed. With only one exit available, the sudden destruction led to a significant loss of life among those present.

In another heart-wrenching incident, a kindergarten in a township near Mandalay collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 12 preschool children and a teacher. These events underscore the profound vulnerability of communal spaces during such disasters.

Challenges in Rescue Operations

The scale of destruction has severely hampered rescue efforts. A 12-story apartment building in Mandalay collapsed, trapping numerous residents. While a woman was rescued after 30 hours, many others remain unaccounted for. Rescue teams have faced significant obstacles, including a lack of heavy machinery, power outages, and communication breakdowns. Consequently, many survivors have depended on local volunteers, who, with limited resources, have been manually sifting through debris to locate and save those trapped.

Psychological and Social Impact

Beyond the immediate physical dangers, the earthquake has inflicted deep psychological trauma on the affected populations. In the eastern Shan state, a father recounted the chaos during the quake, noting that children and the elderly experienced severe dizziness and fainting. The intense fear and shock led young children to cry and scream, highlighting the urgent need for psychological support alongside physical aid.

Urgent Need for Humanitarian Assistance

The disaster has displaced thousands, compelling many to sleep outdoors due to damaged homes or fear of aftershocks. Aid agencies have sounded alarms over the pressing need for essentials such as food, clean water, and medical supplies. The combination of infrastructure damage, logistical challenges, and the sheer scale of the disaster has made the delivery of aid particularly challenging.

In response to the crisis, international aid has begun to flow into Myanmar. India, under "Operation Brahma," dispatched an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team to assist in search and rescue operations. Additionally, relief materials, including food packets, essential medicines, hygiene kits, generators, solar lamps, tents, blankets, sleeping bags, and kitchen sets, have been supplied to support the affected communities.

The earthquake has not only caused immediate destruction but has also exacerbated existing vulnerabilities within Myanmar. The compounded challenges of ongoing civil conflict and a natural disaster necessitate a robust and coordinated international response to address both immediate and long-term needs