Myanmar earthquake: Massive 7.7 quake leaves devastation
Military leaders in Myanmar (formerly Burma) reported that Friday's powerful earthquake resulted in the deaths of 694 people and left 1,670 injured, according to the BBC. The region was hit by a massive tremor measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale. CNN notes that these figures only pertain to the Mandalay region, which is the central part of the country.
Important information
- The 7.7-magnitude earthquake had its epicentre in Myanmar, but the tremors were also felt in Thailand, India, and China.
- The military junta has made a rare request for international humanitarian aid.
- Emergency has been declared in the six most affected regions: Sikong, Mandalay, Magwe, the northeastern Shan state, Naypyidaw, and Bago.
The statement reports that roads, bridges, and buildings have suffered extensive damage, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. Search and rescue efforts are currently ongoing in the impacted regions.
Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar, was the most severely damaged as it was closest to the epicentre.
The number of victims may be much higher
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), thousands of fatalities and significant economic losses can be expected in Myanmar. "There will likely be a large number of fatalities and extensive damage; the disaster will likely have a wide-reaching impact," the analysis noted.
Earthquake: WHO activates crisis management system
Organisations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have urged the ruling junta in Myanmar to allow access for humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the Red Cross expressed concerns about the condition of major dams.
Public infrastructure has been damaged, including roads, bridges and public buildings. We currently have concerns for large-scale dams that people are watching to see the conditions of them," said Marie Manrique from the Red Cross, who is in Yangon.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that it is preparing medical supplies. It has initiated its crisis management system, mobilising its logistics centre in Dubai to ready supplies for treating injuries.
Zin Mar Aung, the chief diplomat of the opposition government in exile, said that militias opposed to the junta, known as the people's defence forces, will provide humanitarian aid to all in need.
"It's very serious, we need humanitarian and technical assistance from the international community," said Zin Mar Aung.
She emphasised that a significant challenge is communication, mainly the internet restrictions imposed by the junta in the earthquake-affected area.
Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand
On Friday, Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand were struck by a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake. The earthquake, with its epicentre near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, occurred at noon GMT and was followed by a strong aftershock measuring 6.4.
According to the Beijing earthquake agency, the tremors were also felt in the southwestern province of Yunnan, China.
