Regional News Updates
Laos
The energy and mining sector will soon become a significant economic pillar in Laos, contributing 25% of the gross domestic product. Authorities will implement sustainable energy expansion programs, enforce responsible mining practices, and resolve debts in the electricity corporation.
Laos sent 33 Lao army personnel to Myanmar on Monday to help with rescue and recovery operations following last Friday’s earthquake. A team of firefighters, soldiers, and other support personnel will focus on the Mandalay region to carry out their mission.
Myanmar
- Earthquake Clean-up Works in Progress – The Global New Light of Myanmar
The government said that efforts are underway to clean the areas affected by last Friday’s earthquake. The process will involve clearing debris, restoring transportation and communication routes, and removing unstable structures at risk of collapsing.
- Railway Infrastructure Badly Damaged by Natural Disaster – The Global New Light of Myanmar
The recent earthquake badly damaged railway infrastructure — including the historic Inwa Bridge, tracks, bridges, and stations in Bago, Sagaing, and Mandalay regions, Shan State, capital Nay Pyi Taw. Authorities are restoring services along the crucial Yangon-Taungoo-Nay Pyi Taw-Thazi-Mandalay route.
Thailand
- Bangkok Ends Disaster Zone Announcement as Overall Situation Improves – The Nation
BMA’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division assessed the situation and concluded that the overall situation had improved.
- Chinese Firm Probed – Bangkok Post
The government is stepping up its probe into other construction projects linked to the Chinese contractor of the State Audit Office’s (SAO) under-construction building that collapsed in Bangkok during last Friday’s earthquake.
Vietnam
- Lower Tax on Imported Cars in the Pipeline – Vietnam News
There are plans to adjust the Most-Favoured Nation import tax on selected automobile models. The aim is to diversify the supply of imported vehicles, promote domestic competition, and align tax policies to match the changing trends in the automotive industry.
- National Reserve Rice Distribution During Lean Season – VietnamPlus
The government will distribute 1,450 metric tonnes of rice from its national reserves to three northern provinces to help local people during the poor harvesting season this year. Finance and health ministries have been instructed to distribute the grains and monitor the situation.
Conclusion
The recent natural disasters in the region have highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and response. It is crucial for governments to work together to mitigate the impact of such events and provide support to affected communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation in Myanmar following the earthquake?
A: The government of Myanmar has confirmed that efforts are underway to clean the areas affected by the earthquake, and authorities are working to restore transportation and communication routes.
Q: What is the extent of the damage to the railway infrastructure in Myanmar?
A: The recent earthquake has badly damaged the railway infrastructure in Myanmar, including the historic Inwa Bridge, tracks, bridges, and stations in Bago, Sagaing, and Mandalay regions.
Q: What is the current situation in Thailand following the earthquake?
A: The government of Thailand has confirmed that the overall situation has improved, and authorities are stepping up their probe into other construction projects linked to the Chinese contractor of the State Audit Office’s (SAO) under-construction building that collapsed in Bangkok.