Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand

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A powerful earthquake in Myanmar shook the country and neighboring Thailand last Friday, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Collapsed buildings, a destroyed bridge, and a burst dam are just some of the damage reported. More than 150 people have died, and authorities fear the death toll will rise as the full extent of the disaster is assessed.

Devastation caused by the Earthquake in Myanmar

The earthquake in Myanmar, The 7.7 magnitude quake had its epicenter near Mandalay, the country's second-largest city. At least 144 people were killed and 730 injured, according to the leader of the military government, General Min Aung Hlaing. In Naypyidaw, the capital, images show rescue teams pulling victims from the rubble of collapsed government buildings. The need for blood is urgent in the areas worst hit by the earthquake in Myanmar, and the government has appealed for international aid, a rare gesture in a country traditionally reluctant to accept foreign assistance. In Mandalay, the Ma Soe Yane monastery, one of the largest in the city, collapsed, and a burst dam flooded low-lying areas.

Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand

In Mandalay, the Ma Soe Yane monastery, one of the largest in the city, collapsed, and a burst dam flooded low-lying areas. In the Sagaing region, a 90-year-old bridge and parts of the highway connecting Mandalay to Yangon were destroyed. Earthquake damage worsens humanitarian crisis already facing Myanmar due to a civil war that has displaced more than 3 million people. In Thailand, the earthquake in Myanmar was felt most strongly in Bangkok, where a 33-story building under construction collapsed near Chatuchak market, killing 10 people and leaving 101 missing. Videos show the building crumbling in a cloud of dust as panicked bystanders fled. Authorities reported 16 injuries, and the city's rapid transit systems were suspended.

International Impact and Global Response

The earthquake in Myanmar was also felt in the Chinese provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan, causing damage and injuries in the border town of Ruili. The UN, led by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, is mobilizing international aid to respond to Myanmar's appeal. However, destroyed roads and insecurity in conflict zones are hampering rescuers' access. The earthquake in Myanmar and its aftermath in Thailand have left an indelible mark on the region. With the expected rise in casualties and severely damaged infrastructure, international solidarity will be key to recovery. How do you think the world should respond to this tragedy?

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Fountain: apnews.com