A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, with rescuers tirelessly digging through rubble by hand in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city and the quake’s epicenter, searching for survivors. As of now, at least 694 people have been confirmed dead, according to a Myanmar military official, though a US agency warns the toll could surpass 10,000.
The earthquake’s force was so intense that even Bangkok, located 900 kilometers away, felt its effects, resulting in the collapse of several iconic buildings and bridges.
The Myanmar military junta reported that the death toll has risen to 694, with 1,670 individuals injured after the disaster. In response, India swiftly offered assistance, with Prime Minister Modi declaring that India was ready to help. The Indian government sent 15 tonnes of relief supplies, including solar lamps, food packets, and kitchen sets, on an IAF C-130 J aircraft as part of “Operation Brahma.” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India was acting as a “First Responder” to aid the people of Myanmar.
In Thailand, the government declared a state of emergency in the capital, Bangkok, where at least 10 people have died. Additionally, 100 construction workers are missing after an unfinished skyscraper collapsed on Friday.
Meanwhile, despite the ongoing humanitarian challenges and President Donald Trump’s announcement of cuts to USAID, the United States vowed to send aid to Myanmar, even as the budget reductions have hampered global disaster relief efforts, with USAID traditionally playing a critical role in such responses.
