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Myanmar asks for international aid after quake, declares emergency

As the earthquake’s epicentre was at a depth of 10km, the impact level could be very strong.

People evacuate from buildings in Yangon, Myanmar, after the earthquake on March 28. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)
People evacuate from buildings in Yangon, Myanmar, after the earthquake on March 28. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Myanmar’s military government has called for international humanitarian aid and declared a state of emergency across six areas after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit the country and some of its neighbours on March 28 afternoon.

The six areas are Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Shan State, Naypyidaw and Bago.

Foreign media reported that Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing visited a hospital in Naypyidaw where injured victims are being treated after the disaster.

Myanmar authorities have not yet released official information about the damage. However, as the earthquake’s epicentre was at a depth of 10km, the impact level could be very strong. Images posted on the country's electronic information pages show many high-rise buildings tilted or collapsed. It is predicted that human and property damage could be very large.

According to Myanmar's DVP news agency, the Aung Pan Hotel in the southern state of Shan collapsed after the earthquake, killing two people and trapping 20 others.

In Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has declared a Level-2 disaster zone after suffering severe damage from the earthquake's aftershocks from the neighbouring country. The Bangkok mayor has been tasked with coordinating emergency response operations. The latest information showed that at least two people have died in the capital.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is concerned by the situation and ready to offer all possible assistance.

“Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand,” Modi said via a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter)./.

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