Myanmar Observes Week of National Mourning After Catastrophic Earthquake
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Synopsis
Myanmar's State Administration Council has declared a week of mourning from March 31 to April 6 following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28, which has resulted in thousands of casualties and extensive damage.
Key Takeaways
- Week-long mourning period from March 31 to April 6.
- Approximately 1,700 fatalities and 3,400 injuries reported.
- 36 aftershocks recorded since the initial quake.
- State of emergency declared in multiple regions.
- International and local rescue efforts are ongoing.
Mandalay, March 31 (NationPress) The Chairman of Myanmar's State Administration Council, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, declared a week-long period of mourning following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit the nation on March 28.
This mourning period, spanning from March 31 to April 6, aims to honor the memory of those affected and to express solidarity with the victims. The national flag will be displayed at half-mast throughout this time.
As reported by Myanmar's State Administration Council, the earthquake resulted in approximately 1,700 fatalities, 3,400 injuries, and around 300 individuals missing, according to Xinhua news agency.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has indicated that as of Monday morning, there have been 36 aftershocks recorded, with magnitudes ranging from 2.8 to 7.5.
This powerful earthquake, along with a 6.4 magnitude aftershock shortly thereafter, significantly impacted the Mandalay region, resulting in extensive casualties and destruction across several nations.
The epicenter was situated approximately 20 km from Mandalay, which is the second-largest city in the country, boasting a population of 1.5 million. In response to the disaster, the National Disaster Management Committee has declared a state of emergency in the Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, northeastern parts of Shan State, the capital Nay Pyi Taw, and the Bago Region.
Rescue operations continue, and international assistance efforts are being rapidly coordinated to meet the urgent needs of the affected communities.
Several vital roads connecting Mandalay and Yangon suffered damage or were obstructed, and both Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw airports were temporarily closed, resulting in the cancellation of all flights.
Images and videos circulating on social media depict extensive structural damage to various buildings, temples, and historical landmarks in the Mandalay region, including the Mandalay Palace and Mahamuni Pagoda.
This earthquake is noted as the strongest recorded this year, as per the United States Geological Survey, with tremors felt in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and southwestern China.
In Thailand, the earthquake resulted in 10 fatalities, with 42 injuries reported and 78 individuals unaccounted for in the capital Bangkok, as reported by authorities on Saturday.
Post-quake, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in Bangkok. Noticeable tremors were felt across northern provinces, including Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, where some tourist destinations in the Pai District collapsed.
Hours after the intense earthquake struck Myanmar, India promptly dispatched rescue teams and humanitarian aid to support evacuation efforts and assist those displaced by the disaster.
