Myanmar earthquake: Body of SA English teacher recovered from rubble
The death toll in the aftermath of the quake has surpassed the 3000 mark, with that number still expected to rise as disaster teams continue to comb the affected areas.
People search through the debris of a destroyed building as they look for survivors in Mandalay on 29 March 2025, a day after an earthquake struck central Myanmar. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The body of a South African English teacher has been recovered from the rubble in Myanmar following last week’s devastating earthquake.
It’s believed the educator, whose identity is yet to be released, was in the country for five years.
The death toll in the aftermath of the quake has surpassed the 3000 mark, with that number still expected to rise as disaster teams continue to comb the affected areas.
ALSO READ: Myanmar's junta chief arrives for Bangkok summit as quake toll surpasses 3,000
The 7.7-magnitude quake and its aftershocks were felt in southern China and Vietnam and as far away as Bangkok, Thailand’s capital.
The disaster has also left many injured and caused extensive damage to property.
Head of Public Diplomacy at the Department of International Relations Clayson Monyela said, “The family has been informed. We are in touch with them and rendering consular assistance to them, and we will be working with them to discuss the way forward.”
Speaking at a briefing on developments in the US on Friday, Monyela confirmed that 11 South Africans in Bangkok have been accounted for.
In addition to the damaged infrastructure, access to the worst-hit areas has also been hindered by continuing violence between the nation's ruling military junta and a patchwork of armed groups opposed to its rule.