Latest news with #MyanmarNow
The Independent
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Myanmar junta extends fragile ceasefire for earthquake relief amid allegations of escalating violence
Myanmar 's ruling junta extended a temporary ceasefire in its fight with rebels in an effort to rebuild cities following a powerful earthquake that killed thousands of people and left many homeless. The temporary truce between the military government and rebel groups has been extended till 30 April. However, the promise of a ceasefire has continued to be marred by allegation of violations by the military. The initial truce was declared on 2 April and set to run until 22 April, prompted by pressure from rebel groups, amid international pressure to prioritise humanitarian aid. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest to hit Myanmar in over a century, killed more than 3,700 people and injured 5,012, flattening buildings and erasing historical structures in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation riven by a civil war. The truce was extended after Malaysia 's prime minister Anwar Ibrahim held high-level talks with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and a key resistance group on the sidelines of the 10-member ASEAN regional bloc, last week. State media said general Hlaing extended an initial 20-day ceasefire, called by the junta on 2 April, "out of sympathy and understanding for the people of the country affected by the Mandalay earthquake". However, the fighting has continued across Myanmar after the junta was initially accused of launching airstrikes hours after the earthquake struck. The United Nations office of the high commissioner of human rights said on 11 April that military forces have reportedly carried out over 120 attacks, more than half of them after their declared ceasefire was due to have gone into effect on 2 April. A Myanmar Now investigation on Tuesday claimed that strikes by Myanmar's military junta have allegedly killed more than 40 people and injured nearly 60, including children and pregnant women, following its two-day bombing campaign from 19-20 April. It alleged that military helicopters opened fire and dropped bombs on schools, homes, and monasteries in four regions. The army has previously blamed rebel forces for violating ceasefires and said it 'will respond if military bases are attacked without reason'. It came as China said it sent a team of observers in northern Myanmar to monitor the ceasefire after Beijing claimed it brokered a deal between a rebel group and the military to end resistance in an area. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson sent a team to Lashio, the capital of northern Shan State after the ethnic Chinese Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army agreed to hand over the region to the army after a deal brokered by Beijing. 'The two sides commended and thanked China for its constructive role in upholding peace and stability in Myanmar,' said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. The MNDAA withdrew from the Lashio of Shan State earlier on Tuesday and handed over control of the area to the Myanmar military, Chinese state media CCTV news said. Meanwhile, General Hlaing announced that the layout of the capital, Naypyidaw, will be redrawn following last month's devastating earthquake in which the majority of government buildings were damaged. According to reports, government offices are being moved to Yangon, the largest city and former capital of Myanmar. He attributed the widespread destruction, including the collapse of state buildings, to construction on soft soil, and said future office buildings must be earthquake-resistant, with soil tests required before rebuilding.
USA Today
30-03-2025
- General
- USA Today
Myanmar earthquake death toll rises: 'No rescue workers in sight'
Myanmar earthquake death toll rises: 'No rescue workers in sight' The 7.7-magnitude quake Friday rocked an impoverished Southeast Asian nation already beleaguered by years of civil war. Show Caption Hide Caption Deadly earthquake rocks Myanmar, Thailand A 7.7 earthquake shook Southeast Asia, killing over 140. The epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar. The number of confirmed deaths from Myanmar's devastating earthquake approached 1,700 Sunday and was expected to keep rising as rescue teams and aid agencies struggled to provide relief amid widespread rubble and growing desperation. The military government put the quake's tentative death toll at 1,644; thousands of others have been injured and hundreds are missing. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, leader of the military government, warned that the number of fatalities could rise and has pleaded for international assistance. The 7.7-magnitude quake Friday, centered near the northern city of Mandalay, rocked an impoverished Southeast Asian nation already beleaguered by years of civil war. The opposition National Unity Government announced a two-week cease-fire starting Sunday to carry out emergency rescue operations. But the Karen National Union, another opposition army, accused the ruling junta of continuing to conduct airstrikes in civilian areas. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said it has mobilized hundreds of volunteers to aid search and rescue efforts, provide first aid and distribute emergency relief items such as blankets, tarpaulins and hygiene kits. "This is not just a disaster, it is a complex humanitarian crisis layered over existing vulnerabilities,' said Alexander Matheou, Red Cross regional director for Asia Pacific. Developments: ∎ The main airport in Myanmar's capital Naypyitaw, about 150 miles south of Mandalay, was closed after its air traffic control tower collapsed, killing at least six people, Myanmar Now reported. ∎ In Mandalay, scores of people were feared trapped under collapsed buildings while heavy machinery rescuers needed to search the rubble was in short supply. ∎ Crematoriums in Mandalay were overwhelmed, forcing some families to cremate loved ones in the streets, Myanmar Now reported. Devastation: More deaths reported after Myanmar earthquake The epicenter of the quaked struck near Mandalay, with 1.5 million people the nation's second-largest city. The collapse of sections of a major bridge connecting Mandalay to Sagaing, home to another 300,000 people, slowed the delivery of aid. The Sagaing Federal Unit Hluttaw, a political association, wrote on social media that the situation was dire and there was concern that "people will forget the small city." "There are not enough charities in the town," the association wrote. "We are only rescuing as much as we can, so the situation is getting worse with time." Sagaing resident Han Zin told Reuters much of the town still had no electricity Sunday and that drinking water was running low. "What we are seeing here is widespread destruction. Many buildings have collapsed into the ground," he said. "We have received no aid, and there are no rescue workers in sight." India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Russia were among countries in the region that rushed to help Myanmar. The United States pledged $2 million in aid funneled through humanitarian organizations and was sending an emergency response team from U.S. Aid for International Development, which is undergoing massive cutbacks under the Trump administration. The task is monumental. The civil war, prompted by a 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, had left the nation's critical infrastructure battered and more than 3 million people displaced. 'Myanmar continues to face internal displacement and food insecurity," Matheou said. "This earthquake exacerbates an already fragile situation." The quake also shook parts of neighboring Thailand, killing at least 18 people across the capital of Bangkok where an unfinished 30-story building collapsed. Thai authorities said at least 76 people remained trapped under the debris, and rescue operations continued for a third day using drones and sniffer dogs to hunt for survivors. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Sunday that the building, being constructed by China, should have withstood the quake, the Bangkok Post reported. He said a committee formed to probe the collapse was expected to conclude it work in seven days. China has sent an expert to inspect the building, and four Chinese workers were questioned for seizing construction documents, he said. Contributing: Reuters
Saudi Gazette
30-03-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 1,700 as crematoriums in Mandalay overwhelmed
YANGON — The death toll from the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has risen to 1,700, with over 3,400 people injured and at least 300 still missing, according to the country's State Administration Council on Sunday. The earthquake, which had its epicenter in Myanmar's Sagaing region, was followed 12 minutes later by a powerful 6.4-magnitude aftershock, according to the US Geological Survey. The city of Mandalay has been the hardest hit, with reports of widespread destruction and mounting fatalities. Crematoriums across the city are overwhelmed, as families race to honor their dead amid a deepening humanitarian crisis. Local media outlet Myanmar Now reported that major cemeteries — including Kyanikan, Taung-Inn, and Myauk-Inn — are struggling to keep pace with the number of bodies being brought for cremation. "Yesterday (Saturday), we cremated over 300 bodies. This (Sunday) morning, more than 200 have already been processed," a resident at one of the cremation sites told the outlet. Search and rescue operations are continuing, but difficult terrain and damaged infrastructure have hindered efforts. The government has appealed for international assistance as emergency services remain stretched. The twin quakes have also triggered concern about aftershocks, as the region continues to experience tremors. — Agencies
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Myanmar quake: Scramble to find survivors as death toll hits 1,644
The death toll from the Myanmar earthquake has climbed to at least 1,644, with over 3,400 injured, the Myanmar Now news outlet reported on Saturday, citing the ruling military junta. According to reports, many more are feared to be trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings in the South-Asian country. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar on Friday and it was followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude. There were numerous other aftershocks. The epicentre of the strongest quake was near Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar with a population of 1.6 million. Tremors were also felt in Thailand, China and Vietnam. There are fears that the final death toll can rise by several thousand more due to the proximity of populated areas and the vulnerability of many structures. Thousands of people are reportedly sleeping outdoors, either because their homes were damaged or out of fear of further quakes. According to Myanmar Now, the quake caused the air traffic control tower at the international airport in the capital Naypyitaw to collapse. At least six people were killed, the outlet reported, citing its own sources. Airport operations had been suspended, it said. The toppled tower was visible on satellite images from Planet Labs PBC. According to reports, a hospital also collapsed in the eastern state of Shan. No details were initially known. International organizations such as the Red Cross have reported widespread damage, difficult rescue effort conditions and also warned that critical dams on the Irrawaddy River could be at risk of collapsing. Getting information about the situation in Myanmar has been difficult as the country has been in political turmoil since a military junta seized power in a 2021 coup. Millions of people have been displaced by the ongoing fighting in the volatile region. A rescue team member told dpa that the military often interrupts the internet connection in many places due to the conflict. Deaths in Thailand but signs of life in rubble In Thailand, three people are confirmed dead, but media reported that 10 bodies had been recovered. At least 101 people are missing in Bangkok alone. Rescue workers in the Thai capital have found signs of life beneath the rubble of an unfinished high-rise building that collapsed due to the massive earthquake, Thai media reported on Saturday. Some 15 people are trapped under the debris in groups of three to seven, several media outlets reported, citing authorities. Rescue teams are trying to bring them water and food, said Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the national disaster relief organization, according to radio station Thai PBS. Some of the survivors are trapped several metres below the surface. "We have about 72 hours to help them because that is the approximate time a person can survive without water and food," Rawiwan said. It is still unclear exactly how many people are buried under the remains of the 30-storey tower block, which was under construction when it collapsed on Friday. People were waiting outside the site for news of their relatives, but the police asked the public to avoid gathering at the building so as not to hinder rescue work which involves heavy equipment. Thai officials warned of the risk of aftershocks. The Thai Meteorological Department recorded further tremors a day after the severe quake. However, most of the 77 earth tremors measured mainly occurred in Myanmar, were far weaker and were sometimes barely noticeable, the department said. Injuries, damage in southern China Injuries and damage to buildings were also reported from the Chinese province of Yunnan. China, one of isolated Myanmar's few allies, sent a small disaster relief team with specialist equipment across the border to Myanmar, according to state media reports. The Chinese Foreign Ministry promised further aid and the equivalent of around $13.7 million in support funds. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of sympathy to Burmese military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing. International teams arrive in Myanmar Other international teams also began reaching Myanmar on Saturday to help with rescue efforts. Russian state news agency TASS reported Moscow sent two planes carrying 120 personnel and supplies. An Indian Air Force plane also landed in the city of Yangon with 15 tons of tents, blankets, bedding, generators and medicines, the Foreign Ministry in New Delhi posted on X on Saturday. The shipment was accompanied by a group of search and rescue teams as well as a medical team. Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said the country would also send teams to support relief efforts. The European Commission said on Friday it was activating the Copernicus satellite service to better assess the effects of the earthquake.
Observer
29-03-2025
- General
- Observer
Myanmar quake death toll reaches 1,644; many trapped
BANGKOK: At least 1,644 people are confirmed dead in Myanmar after the earthquake, Myanmar Now news outlet reported on Saturday, citing the military leadership. According to reports, more than 3,400 people in Myanmar have been injured, with hundreds feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar on Friday at a depth of 10 kilometres, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. It was followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock. The tremors were also felt in Thailand, China and Vietnam. There are fears that the death toll could be much higher, with a toll of more than 10,000 a possibility due to the proximity of populated areas and the vulnerability of structures. International organisations such as the Red Cross have reported widespread damage and also warned that critical dams on the Irrawaddy River could be at risk of collapsing. In Thailand, three people are confirmed dead, but media reported that 10 bodies had been recovered. At least 101 people are missing in Bangkok alone. Rescue workers in the Thai capital have found signs of life beneath the rubble of an unfinished high-rise building that collapsed due to the massive earthquake, Thai media reported on Saturday. Some 15 people are trapped under the debris in groups of three to seven, several media outlets reported, citing authorities. Rescue teams are trying to bring them water and food, said Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the national disaster relief organisation, according to radio station Thai PBS. But some of the survivors are trapped several metres below the surface. "We have about 72 hours to help them because that is the approximate time a person can survive without water and food," Rawiwan said. It is still unclear exactly how many people are buried under the remains of the 30-storey tower block, which was under construction when it collapsed on Friday. People are waiting outside the site for news of their relatives, but the police asked the public to avoid gathering at the building so as not to hinder rescue work which involves heavy equipment. Thai officials warned of the risk of aftershocks. The Thai Meteorological Department recorded further tremors a day after the severe quake. — dpa
