Powerful Earthquake Devastates Myanmar and Thailand, Triggers Aid Appeal
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, killing at least 144 people and injuring over 700. The epicenter was near Mandalay, causing extensive damage and prompting a call for international aid. The United Nations has pledged $5 million in relief, as millions were already in need of assistance before the quake.
On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, resulting in at least 144 fatalities and over 700 injuries. The quake’s epicenter caused extensive destruction in both Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, with aftershocks, including a significant 6.4 magnitude tremor, complicating recovery efforts. In Bangkok, a construction site suffered catastrophic failure, leading to at least 10 deaths and more than 100 individuals reported missing.
In Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, numerous homes and government buildings were obliterated, while a dam breach led to severe flooding in surrounding areas. Significant infrastructure damage was also reported, including the collapse of two major bridges and substantial road impairments, hindering rescue operations.
The country’s military government, already engaged in a civil conflict, has urgently requested international aid. The United Nations has offered $5 million in emergency assistance, while President Donald Trump announced the United States’ commitment to providing aid, although recent foreign aid cuts have raised concerns over their effectiveness.
Prior to the earthquake, over 20 million individuals in Myanmar required humanitarian assistance, and this number is expected to escalate as ongoing search-and-rescue operations continue in hard-to-reach territories.
Individuals can support relief efforts through organizations such as Mercy Corps and UNICEF USA, which provide essential resources including emergency shelter, clean water, medical supplies, and support for displaced families affected by the disaster.
The March 28 earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand has resulted in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. With the military government appealing for international aid and the United Nations pledging support, the humanitarian crisis is poised to worsen for millions already in need. Contributions to relief organizations are crucial in providing immediate assistance to affected families and communities.
Original Source: wfirnews.com
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