Mass Casualty at Hospital in Myanmar’s Capital After Powerful Earthquake
Disaster Unfolds at Hospital in Naypyidaw
Rows of wounded lay outside the emergency department of the 1,000-bed hospital in Myanmar’s capital Naypyidaw on Friday, some writhing in pain and others in shock after a powerful earthquake. A stream of casualties were brought to the hospital — some in cars, others in pickups, and others carried on stretchers, their bodies bloody and covered in dust.
Hospital Hit by Tremors
The hospital itself was hit by the terrifying tremors, which buckled roads and ripped tarmac apart as the ground vibrated violently for around half a minute. The hospital’s emergency department was itself heavily damaged, a car crushed under the heavy concrete of its fallen entrance.
Doctors Overwhelmed
"Many injured people have been arriving, I haven’t seen anything like this before," a doctor at the hospital told AFP. "We are trying to handle the situation. I’m so exhausted." Some cried in pain, others lay still as relatives sought to comfort them, intravenous drips from their arms. "Hundreds of injured people are arriving… but the emergency building here also collapsed," security officials at the hospital said.
Military Chief Visits Hospital
Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing visited the hospital, surveying the wounded lying on stretchers. "Help me," one of the patients cried out, as the military chief listened intently.
Earthquake’s Devastating Impact
The Myanmar capital is some 250 kilometres (150 miles) south from the epicentre of the 7.7-magnitude shallow tremor, that hit northwest of the city of Sagaing on Friday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey. A 6.4-magnitude aftershock hit the same area minutes later.
Tremors Felt in Neighbouring Countries
Powerful tremors were also felt in neighbouring China and in Thailand, where buildings in the capital Bangkok were shaken violently. Worapat Sukthai, deputy police chief of Bangkok’s Bang Sue district, said he could hear the sound of people screaming for aid trapped in the debris after a 30-story under-construction tower block collapse. "I heard people calling for help, saying help me," he told AFP. "We estimate that hundreds of people are injured but we are still determining the number of casualties."
Consequences of the Earthquake
The earthquake has left a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake. The hospital is struggling to cope with the influx of patients, and the city is in a state of panic. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is clear that the impact of the earthquake will be felt for a long time to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
A: The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7.
Q: Where was the epicentre of the earthquake located?
A: The epicentre of the earthquake was located northwest of the city of Sagaing.
Q: How many people are estimated to have been injured?
A: Hundreds of people are estimated to have been injured, but the exact number is still being determined.
Q: How did people in Bangkok react to the earthquake?
A: People in Bangkok were shocked by the force of the earthquake, which was the strongest they had ever experienced. Many were left shaken and frightened by the experience.