Urgent: Myanmar Declares State of Emergency Following Devastating Earthquake

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake hit just north-west of Sagaing, around 10 miles from the city, and was felt far and wide, reaching areas in south-west China and Thailand.

The aftermath has been devastating. Reports indicate that at least 81 construction workers are missing after a high-rise building collapsed in Bangkok. Meanwhile, in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, rescuers described the damage as “enormous,” with casualties potentially in the hundreds.

In the capital city of Naypyidaw, roads have buckled, prompting the military government to declare a state of emergency across six regions. The earthquake shook Mandalay, a city with over 1.5 million residents. Just 12 minutes later, a second quake struck, registering 6.4 on the Richter scale and centered about 11 miles south of Sagaing.

Local resident Soe Lwin experienced the tremors and expressed concerns over aftershocks, noting that it felt like one of the strongest quakes in a long time. In Bangkok, journalist Bui Thu shared her experience during the initial quake while cooking at home, stating, “I was very nervous, I was very panicked.” She noted that buildings in Bangkok aren’t designed to withstand earthquakes, raising fears about potential damage.

This earthquake occurs against the backdrop of ongoing political turmoil in Myanmar. Since a military coup in 2021, the country’s military junta has tightly controlled media, making it hard for citizens to get timely information about such disasters. Internet restrictions further complicate communication during emergencies, leaving many in the dark.

Experts warn that building codes and emergency response means plenty in places like Myanmar and neighboring countries need significant improvements. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization, only about 35% of countries in the Southeast Asia region have disaster preparedness plans—highlighting an urgent need for better infrastructure and planning.

As the world watches, one thing is clear: communities are rallying to support one another, showing resilience in the face of tragedy.



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