Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 144, International Aid Efforts Underway
A recent earthquake in Myanmar has resulted in significant damage and loss of life, with the latest reports indicating that 144 people have been killed and 732 injured. The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.9, struck the central region of Myanmar, causing widespread destruction of buildings and infrastructure. The affected areas include Mandalay Province, Sagaing Province, and Naypyidaw, with hundreds of houses damaged or destroyed.
29 March 2025
The earthquake also had a notable impact on neighboring countries, including Thailand, China, Vietnam, Laos, and Malaysia. In Thailand, a 30-story building under construction in Bangkok collapsed, resulting in at least nine deaths and 117 people missing. The US Geological Survey has predicted that the death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000, with economic losses potentially reaching 70% of Myanmar's GDP.
This earthquake is considered one of the largest to have occurred in Myanmar in the past century, with reports of collapsed buildings, damaged cars, and widespread cracks in roads in the capital city of Naypyidaw. Mandalay General Hospital reported at least 20 deaths and over 200 injuries in Mandalay, while a mosque in Taungoo Town partially collapsed, causing at least three fatalities. The Xinhua News Agency reported that several schools and office buildings in Naypyidaw had collapsed.
The Myanmar military government has declared a state of emergency in six severely affected areas, including Sagaing Province, Mandalay Province, Magway Province, Shan State, Naypyidaw, and Bago Province. In response to the disaster, China's earthquake authority activated its emergency response mechanism, with strong tremors felt in several provinces, including Yunnan, and two people lightly injured in Dehong Prefecture.
Myanmar's leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has appealed to the international community to provide humanitarian aid, and the United Nations has allocated $5 million from its emergency relief fund to support relief efforts. China's Foreign Ministry has expressed its willingness to provide emergency humanitarian aid and support to Myanmar, and a Chinese rescue team has been dispatched to the affected area.
The Myanmar government has initiated relief efforts, with rescue teams and aid being deployed to affected areas. Russia has also dispatched a rescue plane to assist in the disaster relief efforts. However, the situation remains dire, and Myanmar has requested international assistance to cope with the devastation. The earthquake has caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, including the collapse of the air traffic control tower at Naypyidaw Airport, resulting in the loss of all personnel on duty.
Myanmar is situated in a seismically active region, having experienced numerous powerful earthquakes in the past. The occurrence of this latest quake is attributed to the movement of tectonic plates in the area, resulting in the release of immense energy that triggered the earthquake. The earthquake has brought tremendous loss and suffering to the people of Myanmar, necessitating attention and assistance from the international community.
The international community should provide more substantial support to Myanmar, including financial aid, medical supplies, and reconstruction expertise. This collective effort will help alleviate the suffering of the affected population and contribute to the country's long-term recovery and development. In the face of such humanitarian crises, it is essential for nations to put aside their differences and work together towards a common goal. The Myanmar earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of regional cooperation and the need for a united response to natural disasters. As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for the international community to remain vigilant and provide sustained support to those affected by this tragedy.
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