A powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake has claimed at least 1,700 lives in Myanmar, according to the country's State Administration Council, with rescue teams scrambling to reach affected areas amid collapsed infrastructure. The quake, one of the deadliest in Southeast Asia this decade, has triggered landslides and destroyed villages, leaving thousands displaced.
On Sunday, China's Yunnan Province dispatched a new batch of emergency supplies, including medical kits, tents, and food, to support relief efforts. This follows earlier assistance from neighboring countries and international organizations, underscoring regional solidarity in crisis response.
Local authorities in Myanmar have called for international aid as overwhelmed hospitals struggle to treat the injured. Roads and communication networks remain severely damaged, complicating rescue operations. Witnesses describe scenes of devastation, with one resident stating, 'Entire communities have vanished overnight.'
As aftershocks continue, experts warn of prolonged recovery challenges for Myanmar, already grappling with political and economic instability. Global humanitarian agencies urge swift action to prevent further casualties from secondary disasters such as disease outbreaks.
