A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 7.9 struck Myanmar on Friday, leaving at least 2,065 dead and more than 3,900 injured, according to the latest figures from state broadcaster MRTV. Over 270 people remain missing in what has become one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit Southeast Asia this year.
Rescue teams from neighboring countries and local volunteers are racing against time to locate survivors buried under collapsed buildings in affected regions. Myanmar authorities have declared a state of emergency across multiple provinces, with temporary shelters being established for displaced families.
The quake's epicenter near Myanmar's eastern border has raised concerns about cross-border impacts, though neighboring countries have not reported significant damage. Disaster management experts warn that aftershocks could complicate recovery efforts in the mountainous terrain.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn stated regional partners are coordinating relief efforts, while international organizations prepare humanitarian aid packages. The disaster comes amid ongoing economic challenges in Myanmar, raising questions about long-term recovery prospects for affected communities.
