NAYPYIDAW – In a remarkable tale of survival, a 26-year-old man was pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed hotel in Myanmar’s capital on Wednesday, five days after a catastrophic earthquake ravaged the country. The disaster, which struck last week, has claimed over 2,700 lives, leaving communities in shock and rescuers racing against time. The Myanmar fire service, alongside the country’s ruling junta, confirmed the rescue, hailing it as a rare glimmer of hope amid widespread devastation.
The man was extracted from the ruins in Naypyidaw at approximately 12:30 a Ascotam local time (1800 GMT Tuesday) by a combined team of Myanmar and Turkish rescuers. The operation showcased international cooperation, with Turkish experts joining local teams to navigate the treacherous debris of the flattened hotel. Footage circulating online showed the moment the dust-covered survivor, weak but conscious, was stretchered away to safety, sparking cheers from onlookers.
The earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand was so powerful that unleashed energy equivalent to 334 atomic bombs.pic.twitter.com/2AWEhENe1r
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) March 31, 2025
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The earthquake, one of the deadliest in Myanmar’s recent history, leveled buildings across the capital and beyond, displacing thousands and overwhelming emergency services. The fire service reported that the man’s survival was nothing short of miraculous, given the extent of the destruction and the dwindling odds of finding survivors as days passed. “He was trapped in a small pocket beneath the rubble, which likely saved his life,” a spokesperson said.
Officials have not released the man’s identity, but he is now receiving medical attention, with doctors cautiously optimistic about his recovery. The rescue has lifted spirits in a nation grappling with grief, though the junta warned that the death toll could rise as efforts continue in remote areas. International aid is pouring in, with Turkey’s involvement underscoring global solidarity. As Myanmar rebuilds, this survivor’s story stands as a testament to human resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
Key Points:
- Rescue After Five Days: A 26-year-old man was pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed hotel in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, five days after a devastating earthquake struck.
- Earthquake Impact: The quake, one of Myanmar’s deadliest in recent history, has killed over 2,700 people and caused widespread destruction across the country.
- Joint Rescue Effort: The man was freed around 12:30 am local time (1800 GMT Tuesday) by a collaborative team of Myanmar and Turkish rescuers.
- Survival Details: He survived in a small pocket beneath the rubble, a factor rescuers credit for his miraculous survival amidst the extensive damage.
- Condition and Response: The dust-covered survivor was conscious but weak when rescued and is now under medical care, with doctors hopeful for his recovery.
- Emotional Boost: The rescue has provided a rare moment of hope for Myanmar, a nation reeling from loss, though the junta warns the death toll may still climb.
- International Support: Turkey’s participation highlights global aid efforts, with more assistance arriving to support Myanmar’s overwhelmed emergency services.
- Ongoing Crisis: The earthquake has displaced thousands, and rescue operations continue, particularly in harder-to-reach areas, as the country begins a long recovery process.
