March 31, 2025

RESCUE operations are being carried out promptly in the earthquake-affected regions by Tatmadaw personnel, members of the Myanmar Police Force, firefighters, international rescue teams, departmental staff, social organizations, and residents, working together to assist.

During these operations, it was reported on social media by the father of the survivors that a grandmother and her two grandchildren were rescued from the collapse of the Sky Villa condominium in Mandalay.

The incident involved a 76-year-old grandmother and her two grandchildren, aged 16 and 13, who were trapped inside the collapsed building and faced life-threatening conditions. The two children, stuck among dust, debris, and rubble, used their mobile phones’ flashlights to search for possible escape routes, documented the event, and called out for help to alert rescuers. Fearing for their survival, they also recorded video messages on their phones so that their remaining family members would be aware of their situation.

 As they continuously shouted for help, rescue workers eventually heard them and created a small opening using crowbars. They provided drinking water and assured the trapped individuals that they would be rescued soon. While waiting, one of the children, upon reaching through the small opening where a water bottle had been passed, discovered a crowbar. Using it, they managed to break apart some rubble and create a passage wide enough to squeeze through. Once they emerged, the rescue team quickly pulled them to safety.

With their location now identified, rescuers were able to continue their efforts and successfully extract the grandmother and the remaining child. The authorities recognised the young girls’ bravery, resourcefulness, and ability to remain calm under pressure. Their determination to survive, their selflessness in helping their elderly grandmother, and their effective use of a mobile phone for assistance were acknowledged. A statement was released expressing joy at their safe rescue. — MNA/KNN