Myanmar’s second largest city Mandalay has been hit hard by the earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7.
In the region, over 1,600 people have been confirmed dead. The figure is feared to rise further over the next 24 hours.
Many people with houses who managed to get away with the earthquake still dare not return home, because of it Great risk of heavy aftershocks.
– People are devastated and traumatized. There is a lot of fear and stress. Many people are afraid to return home and spend the night outdoors at the roadside instead, says Su Mon Htay, spokesman for Plan International, to SVT News on Saturday afternoon Swedish time.
The organization has previously told SVT News that many have moved up in the mountains because of fear that their house will not cope with aftershock and to be at higher altitude.
Getting to the affected areas has been a major challenge for rescue workers, partly because of the injuries on roads and bridges. According to a statement from the UN, damage to roads and infrastructure has prevented relief efforts during the first two days after the earthquake.
– Our first team arrived during the first 24 hours and we have more teams on the road that have just arrived at the Mandalay region and investigate the situation in the city, says Su Mon Htay.
Scarce information
On Sunday, you are expected to find out more from the teams in place about what the situation is. Already it is clear that there is an urgent need for food, water, medicines and roofs over your head.
– We coordinate with other organizations but the information is still scarce.
– We have worked in Myanmar since 2008 and handled, for example, cyclones and floods, but this is the worst earthquake in Myanmar in 79 years, so this is new to us and for all residents who are affected.