THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, March 29: A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation and claiming at least 1,000 lives.
Myanmar’s ruling junta confirmed on Saturday that the death toll had surged from an initial 144 to over 1,000, with hundreds more injured.
Authorities fear the numbers may rise further as rescue operations continue.
As part of ‘Operation Brahma,’ India dispatched 15 tonnes of relief supplies to Myanmar. The aid was transported to Yangon aboard a C-130J military aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
India is set to send more relief planes after an initial aid delivery earlier in the day.
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The tremors, which originated near Mandalay at a depth of 10 kilometers, were followed by a series of aftershocks, including a strong 6.4 magnitude jolt.
The disaster left roads cracked, buildings collapsed, and shockwaves rippling across neighboring countries like China, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of India.
Meanwhile, Thailand also experienced significant impact, with tremors reaching Bangkok, where buildings swayed and panicked residents fled to the streets. A high-rise structure collapsed in the city’s Chatuchak market, resulting in six fatalities.
Although India felt the tremors, there were no reports of casualties or property damage. In Thailand, public transit services were temporarily suspended due to safety concerns as the aftershocks continued to rattle the region.
