New Delhi: A strong earthquake hit Myanmar and parts of Thailand, causing heavy damage. By Saturday, more than 1,000 people had lost their lives.
- Causing widespread damage and rising deaths.
- By Saturday, more than 1,000 people had died in Myanmar and Thailand.
- More than 1,000 people have lost their lives in Myanmar and Thailand as of Saturday.
Myanmar Earthquake: Powerful tremors shook eastern India and parts of China, spreading fear and panic across the region.
Key Highlights of This Major Incident include:
“On Friday at 12:50 PM (0650 GMT), a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake with a shallow depth of 10 km struck northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar. Shortly after, a 6.7-magnitude aftershock hit, followed by several smaller tremors.”
“The powerful earthquake was felt across the region, causing buildings to shake from India in the west to China in the east, as well as in Cambodia and Laos. Myanmar’s military junta announced this morning that the country’s death toll has surpassed 1,000.”
“Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, triggered by the military takeover, has greatly weakened emergency services, making them unprepared to handle a disaster of this scale.”
“In Thailand, the earthquake claimed 10 lives, mostly due to the collapse of a high-rise building under construction near Bangkok’s Chatuchak market. Up to 100 workers are feared to be trapped under the debris.”
In Mandalay, Myanmar, buildings crumbled into heaps of rubble and twisted metal as residents and emergency crews rushed to rescue those trapped. The historic Ava Bridge, a nearly century-old structure crossing the Irrawaddy River from Sagaing, collapsed into the water.
The devastation in Myanmar led to a rare plea for international aid from its isolated military regime. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing called for assistance from ‘any country, any organization.
India was among the first to extend support, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concern over the disaster. He assured that India is ready to provide all possible assistance and has directed authorities to be on standby. Concerned about the situation in Myanmar and Thailand following the earthquake. Praying for everyone’s safety and wellbeing. India stands ready to assist and remains in touch with the governments of both nations,’ PM Modi stated on Friday.
The Indian Air Force sent 15 tonnes of relief supplies from its Hindon air base to aid Myanmar. The shipment included tents, blankets, water purifiers, and essential medicines.
Thailand’s government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, convened an emergency meeting to assess the earthquake’s impact. Meanwhile, the Indian embassy in Thailand confirmed no casualties among Indian nationals but urged them to remain cautious.
Additionally, the United States and the European Union offered their support. US President Donald Trump stated that Washington had been in contact with Myanmar authorities, acknowledging the severity of the disaster. ‘It’s a real bad one, and we will be helping,’ he told reporters.”