Mandalay Faces Severe Impact from Devastating 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake in Myanmar, Resulting in 2,053 Fatalities

Synopsis
Mandalay in central Myanmar has suffered the most due to a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake, resulting in 2,053 deaths, 2,691 injuries, and 210 missing, according to state media. The overall toll across Myanmar has reached 3,145 fatalities. Quad nations have pledged over $20 million for humanitarian aid.
Key Takeaways
- Mandalay hit hardest by 7.7-magnitude earthquake.
- 2,053 fatalities, 2,691 injuries reported.
- Quad nations pledged over $20 million for relief.
- India initiated 'Operation Brahma' for immediate aid.
- Global response includes medical and relief assistance.
Yangon, April 4 (NationPress) Mandalay in central Myanmar has experienced the most severe consequences following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the nation, leading to 2,053 fatalities, 2,691 injuries, and 210 missing persons, as reported by the state-run daily Myanma Alinn on Friday.
In addition, the capital Nay Pyi Taw reported 511 deaths, 842 injuries, and nine missing, while the Sagaing region recorded 471 deaths, 688 injuries, and two missing, the report indicated.
As of Thursday, the overall death toll from the earthquake across the nation has risen to 3,145, with 4,589 injuries and 221 individuals unaccounted for, according to the Xinhua news agency citing Myanmar Radio and Television.
Meanwhile, the Quad nations—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—have jointly pledged over $20 million in humanitarian aid to assist with relief efforts in the earthquake-affected regions of Myanmar.
Through their funding and cooperative endeavors, the Quad countries are facilitating the distribution of relief supplies, deploying emergency medical teams, and supporting humanitarian partners in Myanmar to care for those impacted by the earthquake.
In a joint statement regarding the response to the earthquake, the Quad nations expressed their heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the people of Myanmar and Thailand in the wake of the devastating earthquake that led to considerable loss of life, injuries, and extensive destruction of infrastructure.
The statement also commended recent commitments to temporary ceasefires and urged all involved parties to implement, extend, and expand these measures to ensure a secure and conducive environment for timely delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid throughout Myanmar.
"We appreciate the statements made by ASEAN Foreign Ministers on March 29 and 30, and the support extended by ASEAN and regional countries to the affected communities," the statement further noted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar's military-led government, during the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, where they discussed strengthening bilateral relations and offering support following the devastating earthquake.
India initiated 'Operation Brahma', positioning itself as a first responder under its 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies.
As part of this operation, India has sent substantial medical supplies and relief materials to Myanmar.
Earlier, PM Modi expressed profound sorrow regarding the disaster and conveyed condolences directly to Min Aung Hlaing, reaffirming India's commitment to aiding Myanmar during this crisis.