On March 28, at noon local time, a powerful 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, prompting the region to enter a state of emergency. Until now, it was announced that the earthquake has resulted in 694 fatalities and 1670 injuries, with numbers expected to rise.
Aftershocks and Monitoring
According to reports from Xinhua, the Myanmar Meteorology and Hydrology Department stated that as of early March 29, 12 aftershocks have been recorded following the initial earthquake. The strongest aftershock measured 7.5, while the weakest was 2.8.
Yunnan Rescue Medical Team Deployed
At approximately 6:30 am on March 29, a rescue medical team from Yunnan, China, consisting of 37 members equipped with emergency rescue equipment and supplies, departed from Kunming Changshui International Airport to assist in the affected areas.
No Reports of Chinese Casualties
A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry addressed the media late on March 28, expressing deep concern for the earthquake's impact and offering sincere condolences to Myanmar. The Chinese embassy in Myanmar activated its emergency response mechanism and issued consular alerts to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in the area. As of now, there have been no reports of Chinese citizens being affected.
UN Allocates US$5 Million for Relief Efforts
On March 28, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement expressing condolences to the government and people of Myanmar. He noted that the UN system is mobilizing resources to assist those in need. The UN has allocated an initial US$5 million from its emergency relief fund to support rescue efforts.
Impact on Infrastructure and Humanitarian Needs
The earthquake has severely damaged infrastructure in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyidaw, with hundreds of buildings collapsing and a critical shortage of rescue and medical supplies. Many people have been left homeless and urgently require tents, blankets, and waterproof materials. Hospitals are facing shortages of surgical equipment, antibiotics, and pain relief medications, leading some to suspend patient admissions. Additionally, Mandalay International Airport has halted all flights due to runway damage, complicating supply transport.
Call for International Aid
Min Aung Hlaing has called for international assistance, inviting countries, organizations, and individuals willing to help the affected communities. He acknowledged the extensive need for rescue operations and urged the Myanmar public to contribute as much as possible.
Earthquake-Prone Region
Myanmar is located within the active seismic zone of the Eurasian tectonic plate. The recent earthquake occurred in one of the most active areas of the Himalayan seismic belt, leading to significant destruction. Historical data show that since 1900, ten earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher have occurred within a 300-kilometer radius of the epicenter, with the largest being an 8.0 magnitude earthquake in 1912.
Related News:
'Selling piglets' | 6 more Hongkongers rescued from Myanmar, 3 still awaiting
Comment