A devastating earthquake struck the Southeast Asian region on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction and death in its wake. The powerful quake, which measured 7.7 magnitude, shook several countries including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and China.
According to official reports, the quake claimed the lives of at least 144 people in just three cities in Myanmar – Yangon, Mandalay, and Monywa. The victims were trapped under debris or injured by fallen power lines and buildings.
The Myanmar military government confirmed that the city of Monywa was severely hit, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. The streets were filled with debris, and rescue teams struggled to reach trapped survivors.
Thailand reported several injuries and minor damage in its southern provinces, while Laos suffered some infrastructure damage but no fatalities. China also reported a number of injured people.
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok issued an alert for American citizens living or traveling in the region, advising them to stay indoors and follow local instructions.
Rescue efforts are underway in Myanmar, with international aid pouring in to support the relief efforts. The United Nations has launched an emergency appeal to help those affected by the disaster.
The cause of the earthquake remains unclear, but seismologists say it was a shallow quake that struck at a depth of around 12 kilometers below the surface. Further research is needed to determine the exact origin of the quake.
As the death toll rises in Myanmar, the international community is rallying around the country to provide support and assistance to those affected by this devastating disaster.
Latest Developments:
- The Myanmar military government has announced a state of emergency and deployed troops to maintain order.
- Thailand’s government has declared a national day of mourning for the victims of the earthquake.
- China has pledged $1 million in aid to support relief efforts in Myanmar.
- The U.N. has activated its Emergency Response Fund to provide assistance to affected countries.
