(Image source from: REUTERS)
A powerful earthquake hit Myanmar and parts of neighboring Thailand, resulting in significant destruction and an increasing number of fatalities. As reported on Saturday, the combined death toll for both Myanmar and Thailand has exceeded 1,000. The earthquake, registered at 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, at 12:50 pm local time (0650 GMT) on Friday, occurring at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers. Shortly thereafter, a magnitude 6.7 aftershock and several smaller tremors were reported. The seismic activity was felt widely across the surrounding area, affecting structures from India in the west to China in the east, alongside impacts in Cambodia and Laos. This morning, Myanmar’s ruling military junta announced that the death toll in their nation had surpassed 1,000. The ongoing civil conflict, triggered by the military's takeover, has significantly hampered emergency response capabilities, rendering them poorly equipped to deal with such a major catastrophe.
In Thailand, the earthquake resulted in ten fatalities, chiefly due to the collapse of a high-rise building under construction near Bangkok's Chatuchak market. There are fears that up to 100 workers could be trapped within the debris. In Mandalay, Myanmar, buildings succumbed to the tremors, crumbling into heaps of rubble and twisted metal, as both residents and rescue teams raced to save people trapped under the wreckage. The Ava Bridge, an almost century-old structure crossing the Irrawaddy River from Sagaing, fell into the water below. The extensive damage prompted Myanmar's reclusive military government to issue an unusual request for international aid. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing reached out for help from "any country, any organization."
India was among the first nations to respond, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concern and a willingness to assist. He stated, "I am worried about the situation following the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. I pray for everyone's safety and well-being. India is prepared to provide all necessary support. I have instructed our authorities to remain ready and have also asked the Ministry of External Affairs to keep in contact with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand." The Indian Air Force has sent 15 tonnes of relief supplies, including tents, blankets, water purifiers, and critical medications from its Hindon airbase to assist Myanmar.
The Thai administration, under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, convened an emergency meeting to evaluate the earthquake's consequences. The Indian embassy in Thailand confirmed that there were no reported casualties among Indian citizens but advised everyone to stay alert. Furthermore, both the European Union and the United States offered their support. US President Donald Trump stated that Washington had been in communication with authorities in Myanmar, remarking, "It’s a real bad one, and we will be helping," during a conversation with reporters.
