A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck conflict-riddled Myanmar on Friday, the most potent jolt ever to hit the country in recent years. The earthquake left 144 people dead. The strong tremor was also felt in Thailand. It toppled temples and buildings in Bangkok. Thai authorities said 10 people were killed, 16 injured and 106 missing from construction sites.
The epicenter was in central Mandalay – Myanmar’s second-largest city, about 50 km east of the city of Monywa. Strong aftershock of 6.4 magnitude was felt. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s military government, said the death toll and injuries are expected to rise. He highlighted that at least 144 people were killed and 730 injured.
With Myanmar being a country in an active earthquake belt, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated that the death toll could top 1,000. This quake was also felt in India, China, Cambodia and Laos.
Myanmar Calls For Earthquake Humanitarian Aid
The army junta of Myanmar, which has often shied away from taking foreign aid, has requested the international community to give humanitarian aid as soon as possible to recover from the devastating earthquake. Gen. Hlaing said Myanmar was ready to accept assistance.
The United Nations has allocated $5 million to relief efforts for the earthquake-hit country. Russia has dispatched two planes carrying 120 rescuers and supplies; India has sent a search and rescue team and a medical team with supplies including tarpaulin, blankets, hygiene kits sleeping bags, etc.; Malaysia is set to send 50 people to help identify and provide aid for the worst-hit areas.
Thailand Declares Bangkok Disaster Zone
Thailand’s government has declared Bangkok a disaster zone. Chatuchak is the worst-hit district in Bangkok with under-construction buildings having collapsed, spewing dust and debris and burying dozens of workers under an impenetrable pile of concrete slabs and twisted metal. The crumbling and mounting have hampered rescue efforts.
Authorities have focused rescue efforts on the site of a high-rise tower that was under construction as more than 100 people, mostly construction workers, are believed to be trapped under the building. A witness said everything was shaking. “Debris-like cement pieces started falling and the shaking got stronger.” He added that he heard three loud booms and his eyes filled with white dust.
