Day after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, rescuers have been working tirelessly through the rubble with their bare hands, frantically searching for survivors in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city and the epicentre of the quake
At least 694 people have been killed, according to a Myanmar military leader, with a US agency warning that the toll could exceed 10,000.
The quake was so powerful that even Bangkok, located 900 kilometres away, felt its impact, causing the collapse of several iconic structures and bridges.
Strong tremors were also felt in parts of India, including Meghalaya and Manipur, as well as in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram, and in China.
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After PM Modi declared that India is ready to offer assistance, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar today said that India has sent 15 tonnes of relief material, including solar lamps, food packets and kitchen sets, to Myanmar on an IAF C 130 J aircraft.
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Following the earthquake, the Thai government declared a state of emergency in the capital, Bangkok. At least 10 people have died, and 100 construction workers went missing after an unfinished skyscraper collapsed in Bangkok on Friday.
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Amid Donald Trump’s announcement of cuts to USAID, the US President vowed to send assistance to earthquake-hit Myanmar. The budget cuts have stalled humanitarian work worldwide. USAID has historically played a key role in disaster relief efforts.
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The United States Geological Survey (USGS) on Friday warned that the earthquake may have caused “high casualties and extensive damage,” with the death toll potentially exceeding 10,000.
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Myanmar, a country ravaged by years of civil war, is facing an acute power and water crisis following the earthquake. In a rare global appeal, Myanmar’s junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has requested assistance.
“I would like to invite any country, any organisation, or anyone in Myanmar to come and help. Thank you,” he said, adding that he has opened all doors for foreign aid.
China and Russia have already sent aid and rescue teams to Myanmar.