In Myanmar, Earthquake Aftershocks and Airstrikes Terrorize Residents

To scale up support, the IFRC launches an emergency appeal for 100 million Swiss francs (US$115 million) to assist 100,000 people (20,000 households) with life-saving relief and early recovery support over the next 24 months,

it said in a statement

Reports that Myanmar's military has continued with airstrikes after the earthquake tells you everything you need to know about the junta -- obsessed with its brutal repression of civilians and desperately trying to win the war whatever the human cost,

Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, wrote on social media platform X

Our soldiers tried to get into bunkers when they heard the sound of aircraft,

he said, speaking on condition of anonymity

The magnitude of this disaster is substantial, and the need for support is urgent,

he added

The destruction has been extensive, and humanitarian needs are growing by the hour,

it said in Sunday's statement

This is not just a disaster; it is a complex humanitarian crisis layered over existing vulnerabilities,

Alexander Matheou, regional director for Asia Pacific at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said in a statement

Kyaw Swe (minister)politician

I am hoping he is alive,

Kyaw Swe told AFP, a tear trickling down his cheek

This happens because it's meant to be. You can't blame anyone,

he told AFP

This visit aims to show Malaysia’s strong support for the ongoing search and rescue (SAR) operations, including efforts by the National Disaster Management Agency team, which has begun its deployment on the ground today,

he said, as quoted in the Malay Mail

He called for an immediate and effective ceasefire in Myanmar which would facilitate the efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance and longer term national reconciliation, peace and reconstruction,

said Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a statement on Sunday afternoon

Hospitals are really struggling to cope with the influx of injured people, there's a shortage of medical supplies, and people are struggling to find food and clean water,

she told AP

Min Aung Hlaingmilitary leader

It is necessary to restore the transportation routes as soon as possible,

the junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, told officials on Saturday, ... according to state media

Jess Phoenixgeologist

The force that a quake like this releases is about 334 atomic bombs,

geologist Jess Phoenix told CNN

I want to hear the sound of him preaching,

she said

We fear it may be weeks before we understand the full extent of destruction caused by this earthquake,

said Mohammed Riyas, the IRC’s Myanmar director

We have estimated that 19.9 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and this is just before the earthquake,

said UN humanitarian coordinator in Myanmar Marcoluigi Corsi

A severe shortage of medical supplies is hampering response efforts, including trauma kits, blood bags, anaesthetics, assistive devices, essential medicines, and tents for health workers,

OCHA said in a statement on Saturday

At this critical time, the people of Myanmar urgently need the steadfast support of the international community,

he added

Thousands of people are spending the nights on the streets or (in) open spaces due to the damage and destruction to homes or fearing further quakes,

the agency said

It hit very strong and very fast,

one woman living in Mandalay recalled