A 63-year-old woman was pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed building on Tuesday morning, 91 hours after a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar’s capital city, according to the country’s fire services.
The dramatic rescue took place in Naypyidaw, which was one of the hardest-hit areas following the earthquake that devastated parts of the region late last week. The Myanmar Fire Services Department confirmed the successful operation in a statement posted to Facebook, describing the woman’s survival as “miraculous.”
“She was found alive under the debris this morning and was safely extracted from the rubble over an hour later,” the department said. Emergency workers immediately transferred her to a nearby hospital for treatment. Details about her medical condition were not disclosed, but officials said she was conscious at the time of the rescue.
The earthquake, which struck four days earlier, caused significant structural damage across central Myanmar, collapsing buildings and disrupting communication lines. Rescue crews have been working around the clock to locate survivors, with many still feared trapped beneath the ruins.
The woman’s survival has been met with relief and celebration, providing a rare moment of hope amid the disaster response. It remains unclear how she managed to survive for nearly four days without food or water, but local authorities said the building’s structure may have created a small pocket that protected her from fatal injuries and allowed her to breathe.
Rescue efforts in Naypyidaw and surrounding areas continue, as emergency personnel race against time to reach others who may still be alive beneath the rubble. The full extent of the casualties and damage from the earthquake is still being assessed.
In recent years, Myanmar has experienced a series of natural disasters, but this earthquake is being described as one of the most destructive in recent memory. Humanitarian groups have begun mobilizing aid, while regional governments are coordinating to provide support to those affected.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert for aftershocks and stay away from unstable structures. Meanwhile, the woman rescued Tuesday has become a symbol of resilience for a country grappling with the impact of yet another tragedy.
