Regional Summit to Address Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar
The head of Myanmar’s junta, Min Aung Hlaing, is expected to travel to Bangkok on Thursday for a regional summit, as the death toll from the devastating earthquake in his country has passed 3,000.
Background
The 7.7-magnitude quake struck on Friday, causing widespread destruction and chaos in Myanmar. Many nations have sent aid and teams of rescue workers to the country, but heavily damaged infrastructure and patchy communications, as well as the ongoing civil war, have hampered efforts.
Situation on the Ground
Destruction in the city of Sagaing, less than 15 kilometers from the epicentre, is widespread, with 80 percent of buildings damaged, 50 percent severely. Food markets are unusable, and hospitals are overwhelmed by patients and structurally unsound, with patients being treated outdoors in 40°C heat.
Aid Efforts
Nearly a week after the quake, locals say they face a lack of help. "We have a well for drinking water, but we have no fuel for the water pump," said Aye Thikar, a 63-year-old nun who has been helping distribute relief funds to those left without basic amenities. "We also don’t know how long we will be without electricity."
Regional Summit
All the main leaders from the seven-member BIMSTEC grouping – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand – are expected to attend the Bangkok summit. Host country Thailand has proposed that the leaders issue a joint statement on the impact of the disaster when they meet on Friday.
Min Aung Hlaing’s attendance would be a diplomatic win for Myanmar’s isolated government, as the summit breaks with a regional policy of not inviting junta leaders to major events. His expected arrival in the Thai capital comes as a junta spokesperson said Thursday that 3,085 deaths from the quake had been confirmed, with 341 people still missing and 4,715 injured.
Bangkok’s Response
Bangkok, hundreds of kilometers from the epicentre of the quake, also suffered isolated damage. The death toll in the city has risen to 22, with more than 70 still unaccounted for at the site of a building collapse. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bangkok for the summit, as did Bangladeshi leader Muhammad Yunus.
Conclusion
The devastating earthquake in Myanmar has caused widespread destruction and loss of life, and the international community is stepping up to provide aid and support. The regional summit in Bangkok provides an opportunity for leaders to come together and discuss the impact of the disaster and how to support the people of Myanmar.
FAQs
- What is the death toll from the earthquake in Myanmar?
- The death toll has passed 3,000, with 341 people still missing and 4,715 injured.
- What is the extent of the damage in Sagaing?
- Destruction is widespread, with 80 percent of buildings damaged, 50 percent severely.
- What is the current situation with aid efforts?
- Many nations have sent aid and teams of rescue workers to Myanmar, but heavily damaged infrastructure and patchy communications have hampered efforts.
- Will Min Aung Hlaing attend the regional summit?
- Yes, he is expected to travel to Bangkok on Thursday to attend the summit.