Myanmar Earthquake: Death Toll Reaches 694

MYANMAR: A devastating  earthquake of 7.7 on the Richter scale hit Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, on March 28, causing widespread destruction. The disaster is said to have claimed the lives of at least 694 people, injuring close to 1,600 people, and authorities are worried the number of fatalities is still likely to swell as the rescue operation continues.

Emergency responders are engaged in large-scale rescue operations, fighting to excavate through the debris to locate survivors. The earthquake was experienced as far north as Bangkok, some 900 kilometers from the epicenter, and caused many bridges and tall buildings to collapse.

Following the catastrophe, the government of Myanmar has made a public appeal for blood donations in the worst-hit regions and officially requested international aid. The United Nations has reacted by donating $5 million to initiate relief efforts. Other nations like China and Russia have also sent aid and rescue teams, with India offering humanitarian aid to assist the struggling country.

The crisis remains serious, with ongoing aftershocks complicating rescue and relief efforts. Myanmar's junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has made an unprecedented appeal for foreign help, urging nations and organizations to contribute funds to the relief efforts. The quake has compounded the country's already bad situation, with accounts of critical power and water shortages making the crisis even worse.

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