A devastating magnitude-7.9 earthquake in Myanmar has claimed at least 2,886 lives and left 4,639 injured, with over 370 people still unaccounted for, according to China Media Group citing local authorities. The tremor struck Wednesday, triggering landslides and damaging critical infrastructure across multiple regions.
Emergency crews from Myanmar's military and civilian organizations are conducting round-the-clock search operations, while humanitarian aid begins flowing into affected areas. The disaster highlights Southeast Asia's vulnerability to seismic activity, with experts noting Myanmar's location along tectonic fault lines.
The earthquake's economic impact is expected to ripple through regional supply chains, particularly affecting agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Environmental assessments suggest potential long-term ecological consequences from soil liquefaction and river course alterations.
Global relief organizations including the Red Cross have mobilized teams, while neighboring countries prepare to deploy technical assistance. This catastrophe underscores the urgent need for earthquake-resistant infrastructure development across Asia's disaster-prone regions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com