Importance Score: 78 / 100 🔴
Southeast Asia is reeling from a powerful earthquake, with Myanmar at its epicenter where opposition forces in the protracted civil war have announced a temporary ceasefire to focus on rescuing survivors. The devastating earthquake is feared to have claimed thousands of lives, compounding the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Myanmar Earthquake: Ceasefire Declared Amidst Rescue Efforts
Amidst the ongoing civil conflict, Myanmar’s shadow democratic government, the National Unity Government (NUG), declared a unilateral two-week cessation of hostilities against the ruling military junta on Sunday. This pause, explicitly excluding “defence operations,” aims to facilitate aid and rescue efforts following the earthquake.
Devastating Earthquake Impacts Myanmar
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday. State television reports indicate approximately 1,700 fatalities and 3,400 injuries, with at least 300 individuals still unaccounted for. However, officials express concerns that the death toll could escalate significantly due to the earthquake’s proximity to densely populated areas and the fragile nature of many buildings.
The NUG communicated on social media platform X, stating the “suspension of all offensive military operations” would be implemented in “earthquake-affected areas and adjacent districts.”
Continued Military Actions Condemned
Despite the unfolding disaster, reports indicate the military junta continued its offensives against resistance groups shortly after the earthquake. Tom Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur for Myanmar, speaking to the BBC, urged the junta to immediately halt all military actions.
The NUG has been engaged in armed resistance against the junta since the military coup in 2021.
Prior to the earthquake, the ongoing conflict had already displaced approximately 3.5 million people from their residences.
Widespread Damage Reported
Images circulating online depict widespread devastation, including collapsed residences and bridges. A hospital in Shan State is reportedly completely destroyed. In Naypyidaw, the capital, the air traffic control tower at the international airport collapsed, resulting in at least six deaths.
Persistent Aftershocks
Even days after the initial earthquake, aftershocks continue to occur. A 5.1-magnitude tremor was recorded north of Mandalay on Sunday, at a shallow depth of roughly 10 kilometers.
Thailand Earthquake Aftermath: Bangkok Death Toll Rises
In neighboring Thailand, the earthquake’s impact has also been significant. Thai authorities have confirmed the death toll in Bangkok has risen to 17 as rescue personnel persist in searching for survivors within the debris of a collapsed high-rise structure.
Bangkok Building Collapse: Rescue Operations Ongoing
At least 83 individuals remain missing, according to authorities, with 32 others reported injured. Rescue teams are concentrating their efforts on the site of a collapsed 30-story skyscraper in Bangkok, where it is believed more individuals are trapped. Ten fatalities have been confirmed at this location, with concerns that more victims are buried under the rubble.
Local media outlets reported that rescue crews recovered the body of a construction worker from the skyscraper wreckage on Sunday. Utilizing a crane and metal basket, the body was retrieved from the debris in the early hours of Sunday, as reported by the Khaosod newspaper.
Regional Impact of the Earthquake
The earthquake caused substantial damage in the Thai capital and was also felt in regions of China and Vietnam.
Thailand Tourism: Assurances of Safety
Thai officials are keen to reassure tourists that the nation’s numerous tourist destinations remain safe following the seismic event. The tourism minister has stated that no tourists have been harmed and no tourist attractions have been affected.
Tourism Sector Remains Operational
In a social media post, the tourism minister affirmed that “travel, hotels, & events proceed normally. Inspections are ongoing for safety assurance. Tourist police monitor key sites. No travel cancellations.”
International airports, including those in Bangkok and Phuket, have resumed normal operations after initial safety checks on terminals and runways.
Tourism’s Economic Importance
Tourism is a vital sector for the Thai economy, contributing 12% to the nation’s GDP and employing over 20% of the workforce, according to a statement by the central bank governor last year.