MANDALAY /Myanmar/, April 1. /TASS/. Russian rescuers have already completed search operations in 18 locations in the city of Mandalay in Myanmar that was hit by a devastating earthquake, Grigory Korolkov, a rescuer of Russia’s Emergencies Ministry’s State Central Airmobile Rescue Team (Tsentrospas), told TASS.
"As of now, we have already concluded search operations in 18 locations in the red zone. In addition, locals sometimes invite us to other areas [to conduct search and rescue operations]. For example, today we wrapped up work at three more locations in the C zone, where locals are working. So far, one [woman] has been found alive," Korolkov specified.
Earlier, the press service of Russia’s Emergencies Ministry reported that an airmobile hospital set up by rescuers has started receiving those affected by the earthquake in Myanmar in a 24-hour mode.
A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28. According to various estimates, its magnitude ranged between 7.7 and 7.9. The first quake was followed by another one, with a magnitude of 6.4. The disaster also affected Thailand; tremors were felt in China and Vietnam. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to Myanmar’s Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing over the devastating earthquake. Russia’s Emergencies Ministry has sent planes carrying rescuers, dog handlers, and doctors to Myanmar to help mitigate the aftermath of the disaster.