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Powerful Earthquake Devastates Southeast Asia
A major earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.7, struck Southeast Asia on Friday, inflicting widespread damage across the region. Myanmar was severely impacted, with the epicenter located near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. Tremors from the seismic event were strongly felt in neighboring Thailand and extended as far as China.
The initial quake, originating along the Sagaing Fault, was followed by a significant 6.4 magnitude aftershock, compounding the destruction.
Building Collapse in Bangkok
In Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, a 33-story building under construction close to the bustling Chatuchak market, collapsed entirely. Footage circulating online captured chaotic scenes as panicked onlookers fled from the debris.
Casualty Reports
Thailand
Thai authorities, as reported by the Associated Press on Saturday morning, have confirmed at least six fatalities and 26 injuries. Nearly 50 people remain missing in Thailand.
Myanmar
The death toll in Myanmar has tragically exceeded 1,000, according to government sources cited by the Associated Press on Saturday morning. This number is expected to rise as rescue operations continue to unfold. Authorities also reported that over 2,300 individuals sustained injuries, and approximately 30 are still missing.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar‘s military leader, visited survivors receiving medical treatment in hospitals in Naypyidaw, the capital city, on Saturday.
Humanitarian Crisis Amid Existing Challenges
Amnesty International’s Myanmar researcher, Joe Freeman, issued a statement highlighting the dire timing of the earthquake. He noted that the disaster has struck as the nation continues to struggle with the repercussions of the 2021 military coup and the mass displacement of people due to the ongoing civil conflict.
State of Emergency and Aid Request
Following a televised address, Myanmar‘s ruling military junta declared a state of emergency in several regions affected by the earthquake on Friday. In a rare appeal for international assistance, they called for humanitarian aid to address the crisis.
International Response and Relief Efforts
The United Nations has pledged $5 million to initiate immediate relief efforts. The Myanmar government has also announced an urgent need for blood donations to treat the large number of wounded individuals. Teams from the Myanmar Red Cross Society are actively working to coordinate emergency blood supplies between hospitals and clinics.
Visuals of Earthquake Aftermath
Images illustrating the extensive damage caused by the devastating earthquake are available below.
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