The United States Geological Survey confirmed that a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Southeast Asia on Friday, March 28, causing widespread destruction and prompting the United Nations to mobilize in the region to assist those in need.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the epicenter of the quake was in Myanmar, noting, “The government of Myanmar has requested international support, and our team in Myanmar is already in contact to fully mobilize resources in the region to assist the people of Myanmar. However, other countries have also been affected. Myanmar is the hardest hit, and it remains the most vulnerable in this situation.”
According to Myanmar’s military junta, 144 people have died, and 732 have been injured, though the death toll is expected to rise. In Thailand, at least seven people were killed and dozens are missing after a skyscraper under construction collapsed in Bangkok. The earthquake also shook buildings in China and caused damage to bridges and homes as far away as Vietnam.