State of Emergency Declared in Myanmar, Schools Closed in Thailand

State of emergency declared in Myanmar

Death toll and number of missing continue to rise

School closures confirmed in Thailand

Myanmar’s military has declared a state of emergency following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country.

At least 144 people have been confirmed dead, with widespread damage reported, according to France 24.

The quake occurred at midday at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and was followed by a powerful aftershock.

The epicenter was located 17.2 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, with a population of approximately 1.5 million.

Emergency Declared After Powerful Earthquake in Myanmar

State of Emergency Declared in Myanmar After Strong Quake – Photo: The Associated Press

Myanmar authorities reported that the death toll is still rising as rescue teams work in the hardest-hit areas.

In Thailand, the quake’s impact led to school closures across the country as damage assessments are underway in various cities.

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Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Phumtham Wechayachai, stated, “An event of this magnitude has not occurred in 100 years.”

“The Ministry of Education has ordered the immediate closure of all schools nationwide to ensure student safety,” Phumtham announced.

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, was declared a disaster zone after a skyscraper under construction collapsed, leaving at least nine dead and 117 missing.

Thai authorities urged residents of high-rise buildings to evacuate due to the risk of further aftershocks and potential collapses.

Rescue teams are working in Bangkok to locate individuals trapped beneath the rubble of the collapsed building.

The quake was also felt in other Southeast Asian countries, triggering alarm in distant cities like Bangkok and Hanoi.

Myanmar’s government has deployed security forces and emergency teams to aid those affected in the hardest-hit regions.

Preliminary reports indicate that hundreds of homes, Buddhist temples, and government buildings have been severely damaged.

The state of emergency allows Myanmar authorities to impose movement restrictions and coordinate aid efforts with international organizations.

Residents of Mandalay and other cities have been relocated to temporary shelters due to the risk of additional collapses.

Disaster in Thailand

In Thailand, hospitals have received dozens of people with serious injuries caused by falling structures and heavy objects.

Seismologists warn that more aftershocks could occur in the coming days, maintaining the risk of further destruction.

The Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations have begun distributing aid in the most affected areas.

The economic impact of the earthquake has not yet been calculated, but experts anticipate multimillion-dollar losses in both countries.

? ‍? Social media users call for prayers for those in Myanmar and Thailand after today’s devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake #Myanmar #Thailand #Earthquake #Thailand #seismic #earthquake #Videos pic.twitter.com/lzjfqdakqw

— Agenda Setting Press (@agendasetting1) March 28, 2025

The international community has expressed solidarity, and several governments have offered assistance for recovery efforts.

Authorities in Myanmar and Thailand have urged the public to remain vigilant and follow safety recommendations in case of further emergencies.

More accurate assessments of the damage and total number of victims are expected in the coming hours.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to stay informed, reported Infobae and France 24.

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