More than 140 dead after 7.7-magnitude earthquake hits Myanmar, with tremors felt across neighboring Thailand

Powerful quake rocks Myanmar: At least 144 people were killed and more than 730 injured after a 7.7-magnitude quake struck Myanmar near the city of Mandalay, according to the head of the country’s military government. A strong aftershock of 6.4 magnitude also hit Myanmar, with tremors felt across Thailand and in China.• Buildings collapse in Bangkok: The quake triggered the collapse of buildings hundreds of miles away in Thailand. At least three people have died in the nation’s capital, and authorities are racing to free 81 people believed to be trapped under the rubble of an under-construction high-rise in the city, officials said.• Disaster response hindered: Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest nations, is reeling from a civil war sparked by a 2021 military coup. Weak infrastructure makes it ill-equipped to deal with major natural disasters. Swathes of the country are run by a patchwork of militias, making it extremely difficult to gather reliable information. The military also regularly cuts communications in conflict zones.AllCatch Upanalysis49 Posts8 min agoMyanmar military junta makes rare appeal for international assistance after deadly quakeFrom CNN’s Rob PichetaThe leader of Myanmar’s ruling military junta has made a rare call for help from the international community after an earthquake killed at least 144 people — a figure he warned will rise.“I have personally visited some affected sites to assess the situation. I would like to call upon everyone to join hands and support the ongoing rescue missions,” Min Aung Hlaing said in a televised speech on Friday.“I have declared a state of emergency and requested international assistance,” Min Aung Hlaing continued, adding that India will be sending assistance. “I would like to extend an open invitation to any organizations and nations willing to come and help the people in need within our country.”At least 96 people died in Naypyidaw, central Myanmar, and dozens more died in other territories, with at least 732 injured, he said during the address. “Casualties are expected to rise,” he added.Why this matters: The appeal indicates that the impacts of the quake are stark. Min Aung Hlaing is the subject of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant and his military junta rarely cooperates with the international community.Min Aung Hlaing is the leader of Myanmar’s powerful military, known as the Tatmadaw, which seized power in 2021. Since then, he has served as the military ruler of the country. The ICC sought his arrest last year for alleged crimes committed against the persecuted Rohingya minority group, estimating that more than one million Rohingya had been forcibly displaced from Myanmar.The junta has severely restricted internet access and has launched a crackdown against journalists in the country.