Myanmar lets in foreign help as rescuers toil with bare hands

Mandalay, March 29

The quake, which hit around lunchtime on Friday, affected wide swathes of Myanmar, from the central plains around Mandalay to the hills of Shan in the east, parts of which are not completely under the junta's control. Residents in the hardest-hit areas are desperate for the help.

Myanmar's military rulers let in hundreds of foreign rescue personnel on Saturday. An initial assessment by Myanmar's opposition National Unity Government said at least 2,900 buildings, 30 roads and seven bridges had been damaged by the quake.

Survivors in Mandalay, Myanmar's second-biggest city, dug with their bare hands in desperate attempts to save those still trapped, lacking heavy machinery and with authorities absent.

It should be noted that the government forces have lost control of much of Myanmar, and many places are incredibly dangerous or simply impossible for aid groups to reach. More than 3 million people have been displaced by the fighting and nearly 20 million are in need, according to the United Nations.

Satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC analysed by the AP show the earthquake toppled the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport as if sheered from its base.

Debris lay scattered from the top of the tower, which controlled all air traffic in the capital of Myanmar, the photos showed on Saturday.

China said it has sent more than 135 rescue personnel and experts along with supplies like medical kits and generators, and pledged around USD 13.8 million in emergency aid. Hong Kong sent a 51-member team to Myanmar.

Russia's Emergencies Ministry said it had flown in 120 rescuers and supplies, and the country's Health Ministry said Moscow had sent a medical team to Myanmar.

The United States, which has a testy relationship with the Myanmar military, has said it would provide some assistance.