JAKARTA - An earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Ritcher Scale (SR) shook Mandalay, the second largest city in Myanmar, on Friday (28/3) afternoon yesterday. More than 144 people in Myanmar and 9 people in Thailand were reported dead, and hundreds were injured.

The natural disaster collapsed a number of high-rise buildings and bridges in Mandalay. An amateur video even showed the collapse of a skyscraper under construction in Bangkok.

Myanmar's government, led by the military junta, has declared a state of emergency in a number of areas. ‘The country will address the situation as soon as possible, carry out rescue operations, and provide humanitarian assistance,’ the Myanmar government said on its official Telegram channel.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the situation in Bangkok was critical. However, the government has not declared a state of emergency.

Moments after the earthquake, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) imposed a temporary trading halt. ‘It will be opened on Monday, 31 March 2025,’ SET wrote in its official statement.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his personal X account, said that India is ready to provide all possible forms of assistance. The United Nations (UN) also stated that it was ready to send aid funds as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International urged the Myanmar military, which has been in power since 2021, to immediately open access to foreign aid. (KR/LM)