Myanmar earthquake death toll rises 1,000 as rescuers search for survivors

More than 1,000 people have been killed in Myanmar and thousands more injured following a 7.7. magnitude earthquake that was also felt in neighbouring countries, BBC reports.

In Bangkok, Thailand, rescue efforts are ongoing at the site of a collapsed high-rise building, as officials say at least 15 people are believed to be alive under the rubble with 100 people still unaccounted for.

A rescue team in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city, tells the BBC: “We are digging people out with our bare hands.”

Myanmar’s military leaders have issued a rare appeal for international aid, with its neighbours China and India among the first to send help.

Airstrikes have continued in Myanmar, the People’s Defense Force says, as BBC’s Yvette Tan takes a look at the troubles facing the war-torn country.

The military council has continued airstrikes and drone attacks after the earthquake in Myanmar, including one in the Sagaing region which has seen extensive damage and casualties from the quake.

According to the Chaung U Township People’s Defense Force, around 19:40 local time (13:10), Nwe Khway village in the Chaung U township, Sagaing, was bombed twice.

The other two strikes were at Ley Wah, in Kayin state, near the Karen National Union headquarters, and at Pyu in the Bago Region.

Myanmar’s military regime says it has opened a temporary hospital and relief camp at Mandalay Airport.

How many people it can treat and care for has not been specified.

The airport is not currently functional, with the runways damaged during the earthquake, but the military says it is working to resume flights.

Elsewhere, Airports of Thailand has issued a statement says that operations at six of its airports, including those in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Chiang Rai and Phuket have returned to normal services.

The Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) says it will support relief operations in Myanmar and Thailand.

The 10-member body, which includes Myanmar and Thailand, says it recognises the urgent need for humanitarian assistance after the earthquake “resulted in significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction”.

It says it will “work closely to coordinate humanitarian assistance, support and facilitate relief operations, and ensure timely and effective humanitarian response”.

The other members of Asean are Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines.

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