Death Toll from Myanmar's Earthquake Reaches 2,056; National Mourning Announced

Synopsis

The death toll from the recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has tragically risen to 2,056, with 3,900 injured and 270 missing. In response, a national mourning period has been declared from March 31 to April 6, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast.

Key Takeaways

Death toll reaches 2,056 from 7.7-magnitude quake.
3,900 injured and nearly 270 missing.
Week-long national mourning announced.
36 aftershocks reported.
International rescue operations underway.

Yangon, March 31 (NationPress) The casualty count from a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has climbed to 2,056 fatalities, with around 3,900 individuals injured and nearly 270 still missing, as reported by the country's State Administration Council Information Team on Monday.

Rescue teams, both international and local, are working tirelessly to save lives in the affected regions, according to Xinhua news agency.

Earlier today, the Chairman of Myanmar's State Administration Council, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, announced a week-long period of mourning in light of the tragic earthquake.

To honor those who have suffered loss, the days from March 31 to April 6 have been designated as national mourning days. During this time, the national flag will be displayed at half-mast, he stated.

Myanmar's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has reported that 36 aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 2.8 to 7.5, have occurred as of Monday morning.

The powerful earthquake, which struck the Mandalay region on Friday, was followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock just minutes later, resulting in extensive casualties and damage across multiple countries.

The epicenter was located approximately 20 km from Mandalay, the country's second-largest city, home to 1.5 million residents. In response, the National Disaster Management Committee has declared a state of emergency in the Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, northeastern Shan State, the capital Nay Pyi Taw, and Bago Region.

Rescue operations continue, and international aid is being rapidly organized to meet the urgent needs of those affected.

Several major roads connecting Mandalay and Yangon have sustained damage or are blocked, and airports in both Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw have been temporarily closed, leading to the cancellation of all flights.

Images and videos shared on social media reveal significant structural damage to buildings, temples, and various historical sites in the Mandalay region, including the Mandalay Palace and the Mahamuni Pagoda.

This earthquake is noted as the most powerful of the year thus far, according to the United States Geological Survey. Tremors were also felt in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and southwest China.

In Thailand, reports indicate that 10 individuals have lost their lives, 42 have been injured, and 78 remain missing in Bangkok, according to authorities on Saturday.

In the wake of the quake, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in Bangkok. Noticeable tremors were felt in northern provinces such as Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, with some tourist attractions collapsing in the Pai District of Mae Hong Son.

India quickly extended its assistance to the neighboring country by dispatching rescue teams and providing humanitarian aid to support evacuation efforts and comfort those displaced.