- Myanmar Declares Week of Mourning As Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 2,000.
- Flags to fly at half-mast, nationwide silence set for Tuesday.
- Survivors sleep in streets as aftershocks continue to shake Mandalay.
Myanmar has declared a week of national mourning following the devastating earthquake that struck the country on Friday, with the death toll now exceeding 2,000. Rescue efforts are slowing down as hopes of finding more survivors beneath the rubble begin to fade.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- BREAKING: Ibok-Ete Ibas Appoints Professor Worika As Rivers SSG
- FG Calls for Alignment of Education Projects with National Priorities
- Tinubu Launches Nigerian Youth Academy to Equip Young Population
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the ruling junta announced on Monday that national flags would be flown at half-mast until April 6 “in sympathy for the loss of life and damages” caused by the 7.7-magnitude quake. A nationwide minute of silence will be observed on Tuesday at precisely 12:51:02 pm (0621 GMT), marking the exact time the disaster struck.
Citizens have been urged to stop in place to pay their respects, while media outlets are expected to pause broadcasting and display mourning symbols. Prayers will also be held at temples and pagodas across the country.
In Mandalay, one of the worst-hit cities with over 1.7 million residents, emergency response efforts have begun to slow as the scale of destruction becomes clearer.
“The situation is so dire that it’s hard to express what is happening,” said Aung Myint Hussein, chief administrator of Mandalay’s Sajja North mosque.
Many residents have been forced to spend a fourth consecutive night sleeping outdoors, fearing aftershocks that continued to rattle the city throughout the weekend. Some have set up makeshift tents, while others, including children, have resorted to sleeping on blankets in the streets to avoid potential building collapses.
As of Monday, authorities confirmed 2,056 deaths, with more than 3,900 people injured and 270 still missing. The numbers are expected to rise further.
Among the deceased are three Chinese nationals, according to Chinese state media, while France’s foreign ministry has confirmed the deaths of two French citizens.
The impact of the quake extended beyond Myanmar’s borders, with at least 19 people killed in Bangkok, Thailand, after the tremors caused a 30-story building under construction to collapse.
FURTHER READING
- Best Gambling on line Web sites inside Asia Mar 2023 Greatest Welcome Offer
- Senator Shehu Sani Announces 2027 Re-Election Bid
- Banky W Set to Considers Vasectomy Surgery
Watch Our Video Of The Week
