Myanmar Endures 36 Aftershocks Following Devastating 7.7 Magnitude Quake
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Synopsis
Myanmar has experienced 36 aftershocks following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, resulting in significant casualties and damage. Rescue operations are ongoing as international aid mobilizes to support affected populations.
Key Takeaways
- 36 aftershocks recorded in Myanmar.
- 1,700 fatalities and 3,400 injuries reported.
- Emergency declared across multiple regions.
- Major infrastructure damage noted.
- International aid and rescue efforts mobilizing.
Mandalay, March 31 (NationPress) - Myanmar's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has confirmed that a total of 36 aftershocks, with magnitudes between 2.8 and 7.5, have been recorded as of Monday morning.
The series of aftershocks occurred after a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at 12:51 p.m. local time last Friday, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
The earthquake resulted in approximately 1,700 fatalities, over 3,400 injuries, and 300 individuals still unaccounted for, according to the State Administration Council of Myanmar as of Sunday.
A significant 7.7 magnitude earthquake, followed shortly by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock, impacted the Mandalay region of Myanmar on Friday, leading to severe casualties and destruction across several countries.
The epicenter of the quake was located merely 20 km from Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, which has a population of around 1.5 million. In light of the disaster, the National Disaster Management Committee declared a state of emergency in the Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, the northeastern section of Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw, and the Bago Region.
Ongoing rescue operations are being conducted, while international humanitarian efforts are rapidly mobilizing to meet the urgent needs of those affected.
Several major roads connecting Mandalay and Yangon to the south have experienced damage or blockages, and airports in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw have temporarily halted operations, resulting in flight cancellations.
Images and videos shared on social media depict extensive structural damage to various buildings, temples, and historical landmarks in the Mandalay area, including the Mandalay Palace and the Mahamuni Pagoda.
This earthquake is noted as the most powerful of the year thus far, based on data from the United States Geological Survey. The tremors were also felt in neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and southwest China.
In Thailand, the earthquake claimed the lives of 10 individuals, injured 42 others, and left 78 people missing in Bangkok, according to local authorities on Saturday.
In response to the quake, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced a state of emergency in Bangkok. Noticeable tremors could be felt in northern provinces like Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, with some tourist sites in the Pai District of Mae Hong Son collapsing.
Within hours of the powerful earthquake impacting Myanmar, India promptly dispatched rescue teams and humanitarian support to assist in evacuation efforts and provide relief to the displaced population.
