The United Nations is mobilizing emergency support across Southeast Asia following a devastating earthquake that struck near Mandalay on Friday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confirmed that the government of Myanmar has formally requested international assistance. "Our team in Myanmar is already in contact to fully mobilize our resources in the region to support the people of Myanmar," Guterres stated. He added that while other countries in the region were also affected, Myanmar is the weakest country due to the epicenter of the tremor.
At least 144 people have been confirmed dead, with over 730 injured in the South Asian country. In neighbouring Thailand, a 33-story building under construction in Bangkok collapsed, resulting in at least eight fatalities and leaving dozens still missing.