Myanmar Earthquake: Over 2,000 Dead, National Mourning Declared

A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on March 28, 2025, resulting in over 2,000 confirmed deaths, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue. The epicenter was near Mandalay, causing widespread destruction, including the collapse of mosques and a monastery, killing hundreds of Muslims and Buddhist monks. Relief efforts are severely hampered by power outages, fuel shortages, and damaged infrastructure, while the ongoing civil war in Myanmar further complicates humanitarian assistance. In neighboring Thailand, the earthquake claimed 20 lives, and rescue operations continue as buildings in Bangkok remain unstable. The United Nations and other aid organizations have called for unimpeded access to provide necessary aid, while Myanmar's military government declared a week of national mourning. International rescue teams, including those from China and the US, are actively participating in rescue missions amid difficult conditions.