Okay, so like, things have gotten way worse since that massive earthquake rocked Myanmar and Thailand. The death toll is, like, totally heartbreaking—over 1,000 people are confirmed gone in Myanmar alone, and, um, more than 2,300 are injured. In Thailand, things are still super bad, especially in Bangkok, where that high-rise that collapsed is turning into, like, the scariest rescue mission ever. Officials are saying at least ten people didn’t make it, and about 100 workers are, like, still missing. This is so not okay.
So, in Myanmar, the worst-hit areas are around Sagaing and Mandalay. A preschool literally got destroyed, which is, like, beyond tragic, and an entire apartment building collapsed with 90 people inside. The military government declared an emergency in six regions, and rescuers are doing their best, but, like, the roads are a mess, phone lines are down, and it’s just chaos. Also, Myanmar’s whole political situation is, like, not helping, because aid workers are struggling to even get to people. Like, seriously? Now is not the time for politics.
Meanwhile, in Thailand, Bangkok is still in, like, total crisis mode. The entire city is basically a disaster zone, and officials are telling people to stay away from tall buildings because aftershocks are still happening. Oh, and let’s talk about that 30-story building that collapsed—it’s so bad. Rescuers are using drones and dogs to try and find survivors, and honestly, every second counts.
The World Health Organization is stepping in to help, which, like, thank goodness, because people need medical care right now. The Pope even sent out prayers for the victims, which is sweet, but, like, we also need actual help on the ground, you know?
And oh my gosh, the eyewitness stories? Terrifying. People in Bangkok said they felt the buildings swaying, alarms blaring, and everyone just screaming and running out of malls and hotels. Some buildings even, like, partially collapsed. In Mandalay, tons of historic places—like royal palaces and monasteries—are totally ruined, which is just, like, heartbreaking. Click here to watch a video of the Bangkok building collapse.
Right now, it’s all about trying to find survivors, and, like, time is running out. Officials are saying the situation is still developing, and people need to stay super alert because aftershocks are still happening. Seriously, this is, like, a nightmare, and my heart goes out to everyone dealing with this.
If you’re looking to help out, organizations like Project HOPE are mobilizing emergency responses to provide urgent humanitarian aid. You can find more information and ways to contribute on their website, or other organizations like the Red Cross and more.
XOXO,
Valley Girl News
Image credit: BBC
