UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced on Friday that the United Nations is mobilizing resources to support Myanmar and neighboring countries after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar. The quake, which occurred on Friday, has resulted in at least 144 deaths and 732 injuries in Myanmar, according to the country’s State Administration Council.
The earthquake’s tremors were felt across Southeast Asia, reaching as far as China, Thailand, and Laos. In a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres expressed his condolences to the affected governments and peoples, stating that the UN system “is mobilizing to help those in need.”
Guterres also noted that Myanmar’s government has requested international assistance in the wake of the disaster. “Our teams in Myanmar are already in contact with local authorities to fully mobilize our resources in the region to support the people of Myanmar and other countries impacted,” he added.
The UN’s swift response highlights the international community’s commitment to providing aid and support in times of crisis. Emergency teams are expected to focus on search and rescue operations, medical assistance, and providing essential supplies to those affected.
This tragedy comes as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of regions along seismic fault lines and underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and international cooperation.
