BANGKOK — Ten people were dead, 16 were injured, and 101 others remained
missing in the capital, Bangkok, Thai authorities said on Saturday after a
powerful earthquake struck Myanmar, sending strong tremors across Thailand.
According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and
Mitigation (DDPM), emergency disaster areas have been declared in Bangkok and
two other provinces, with authorities conducting structural safety assessments
and damage surveys across the affected regions.
Phasakorn Boonyalak, director general of the DDPM, said
14 provinces have reported damage following the earthquake that rocked central
Myanmar on Friday afternoon, reports Xinhua news agency.
Tremors were felt in 57 provinces, particularly in
Bangkok, prompting mass evacuations from office buildings, residential
complexes, and convention centers as people gathered on the streets and in
parks as temporary shelters.
The earthquake disrupted multiple subway and Skytrain
services in Bangkok, bringing traffic to a standstill. Most train services
resumed normal operations by Saturday morning.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said during a
meeting for earthquake disaster updates and relief measures on Saturday that
the earthquake situation has stabilised, with aftershock intensity gradually
weakening.
Meanwhile, in Myanmar, at least 1,002 were killed, 2,376
were injured, and 30 remained missing, according to the Information Team of
Myanmar's State Administration Council on Saturday.
Rescue efforts have intensified in Myanmar despite severe
disruptions to transportation and communication networks.
The quake, which originated near Sagaing, triggered 12
aftershocks ranging from 2.8 to 7.5 in magnitude, further worsening conditions
in the affected areas.
The devastation has been widespread, with Mandalay, Bago,
Magway, northeastern Shan State, Sagaing, and Nay Pyi Taw among the hardest-hit
regions.
As authorities and rescue teams work around the clock to
assist those impacted by the disaster, Myanmar faces the daunting task of
recovering from one of its most powerful earthquakes in recent history.
5.1 aftershock
strikes near Myanmar's Naypyitaw following major quakes
NEW DELHI — Just a day after a series of powerful earthquakes ravaged Myanmar,
claiming over a thousand lives, the nation was struck by another 5.1-magnitude
tremor on Saturday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The latest seismic activity occurred near Myanmar's
capital, Naypyidaw, around 2.50 p.m., at a depth of 10 km. The full extent of
damage and potential casualties from this new tremor, which impacted the same
regions affected by Friday's earthquakes, remains unclear.
Following the initial quake near Sagaing, the region
experienced 12 aftershocks, ranging from 2.8 to 7.5 in magnitude, further
exacerbating the already dire situation. Mandalay, Bago, Magway, northeastern
Shan State, Sagaing, and Nay Pyi Taw have been identified as the hardest-hit
areas, Xinhua news agency reported.
The Myanmar government has declared a national emergency
as rescue teams work tirelessly to provide assistance. Damage to crucial
infrastructure, including the Yangon-Mandalay highway near Nay Pyi Taw and
Mandalay, has significantly hindered relief efforts.
People are now utilising the older Yangon-Mandalay road
to reach affected areas and aid in rescue operations. The collapse of buildings
at Mandalay Airport and sections of the highway has also severed vital
transport links between Myanmar's two largest cities.
Rescue teams, including fire service personnel from lower
Myanmar, have reached severely affected areas such as Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay.
However, damaged infrastructure, power outages, and disrupted communication
networks are posing significant challenges to their efforts.
In line with its Act East policy, India has dispatched
over two tranches of 15 tonnes of relief material to Myanmar. Randhir Jaiswal,
the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, announced that
India, under "Operation Brahma," is acting as a first responder to
support the people of Myanmar affected by the devastating earthquakes.
The initial quakes on Friday resulted in widespread
destruction and the loss of over a thousand lives.
ASEAN pledges
humanitarian support following Myanmar earthquake
JAKARTA — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Saturday
said it stands ready to support relief and recovery efforts following the
powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday.
"ASEAN reaffirms its solidarity with the families
and communities affected by the earthquake and its impact," ASEAN said in
a statement, extending its deepest sympathies and condolences to the people of
Myanmar and Thailand.
Recognising the urgent need for humanitarian assistance,
ASEAN said its relief and recovery efforts include deploying the
ASEAN-Emergency Response and Assessment Team, utilising the Disaster Emergency
Logistics System for ASEAN, and providing Urban Search and Rescue support,
based on the priorities identified by Myanmar and Thailand, reports Xinhua news
agency.
Furthermore, ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to closely
coordinating humanitarian assistance efforts. With the support of the ASEAN
Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management, ASEAN
will facilitate relief operations and ensure a timely and effective
humanitarian response.
The devastating earthquake in Myanmar has claimed 1,002
lives, left 2,376 injured, and 30 people reported missing, according to the
Information Team of the country's State Administration Council in a report at
around 11:20 a.m. local time Saturday.
Rescue efforts have intensified in Myanmar despite severe
disruptions to transportation and communication networks.
The quake, which originated near Sagaing, triggered 12
aftershocks ranging from 2.8 to 7.5 in magnitude, further worsening conditions
in the affected areas.
The devastation has been widespread, with Mandalay, Bago,
Magway, northeastern Shan State, Sagaing, and Nay Pyi Taw among the hardest-hit
regions.
As authorities and rescue teams work around the clock to
assist those impacted by the disaster, Myanmar faces the daunting task of
recovering from one of its most powerful earthquakes in recent history.
Meanwhile, Thai authorities said on Saturday that nine
people were dead, ten were injured, and 101 others remained missing in the
capital, Bangkok, after the powerful earthquake sent strong tremors across
Thailand.
