Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Leaving Trail of Destruction
Devastating Impact on Major Cities
A major earthquake on Friday afternoon left cracks on major roads in the Myanmar capital Naypyidaw, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake jolted the country, resulting in at least 144 people killed and 732 injured, according to a report by the Myanmar government quoted by the Xinhua news agency.
Catastrophic Damage to Buildings and Infrastructure
Many buildings were damaged, with the Red Cross in Myanmar reporting devastating damage following the strong earthquakes, according to the German news agency, Bernama. The agency said the figures were from the information unit of the ruling junta, whose leader, Min Aung Hlaing, was quoted as saying the deaths included 96 from the capital Naypyidaw, 18 from Sagaing and 30 from Kyaukse. The injured included 432 from Naypyidaw and 300 from Sagaing.
Concerns over Dam Safety
There is great concern that dams on the Irrawaddy River may have been damaged and could break, according to Marie Manrique, the international Red Cross programme manager on the ground. She said 18.5 million people live in the affected area near the city of Sagaing, where two quakes of an estimated magnitude of 7.7 and 6.4 were recorded today. Many of them were displaced due to the fighting in the country since the 2021 military coup.
Humanitarian Crisis Looms Large
The United Nations refugee agency said about 1.6 million of the 3.5 million displaced people in Myanmar live in the region hit by the earthquake. "We are very concerned about the possible humanitarian consequences," said Manrique. "We expect a lot of people to be injured."
Conclusion
The earthquake that struck Myanmar has left a trail of destruction, causing widespread loss of life and property. The humanitarian crisis that is unfolding is of great concern, with many people displaced and at risk of injury. The international community must come together to provide aid and support to those affected by this devastating disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many people were killed in the earthquake?
A: At least 144 people were killed.
Q: How many people were injured in the earthquake?
A: At least 732 people were injured.
Q: Which cities were affected by the earthquake?
A: The cities of Naypyidaw, Sagaing, and Kyaukse were affected by the earthquake.
Q: What is the magnitude of the earthquake?
A: The magnitude of the earthquake was 7.7.