Malaysia And India Offer Assistance To Myanmar And Thailand Impact Of The M7.7 Earthquake

JAKARTA - A number of Asian countries expressed solidarity to Myanmar and Thailand which were hit by a devastating earthquake. These countries also offer humanitarian assistance after at least 151 people died and 117 others were trapped or lost.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a statement that he was deeply concerned about the strong earthquake that rocked central Myanmar and northern Thailand, which caused heavy damage to infrastructure.

"On behalf of Malaysia, I express my deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and our prayers for those who were injured and displaced. Malaysia stands in firm solidarity with neighboring countries and fellow ASEAN members," he wrote in X quoting Antara.

Anwar also offered humanitarian assistance and emphasized Malaysia's readiness to support aid efforts as needed.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto also expressed his condolences to Myanmar and Thailand, and emphasized that Jakarta is ready to assist the two countries in facing this difficult situation.

"Indonesia is ready to provide all the necessary support for recovery efforts in the affected areas," said Prabowo.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also expressed her condolences and said that her party was coordinating with regional and humanitarian partners in responding to this disaster.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that New Delhi was ready to provide assistance.

"I am concerned about the post-earthquake situation in Myanmar and Thailand. I pray for the safety and well-being of everyone. India is ready to offer all necessary assistance. In this case, I have asked the relevant authorities to be on standby and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) to remain in touch with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand," Modi wrote on X.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed their condolences.

"We are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news about the devastating earthquakes that hit Myanmar, Thailand and neighboring countries. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy, and we pray for those affected and rapid recovery for the injured," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in an official statement.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed his condolences to the government and communities in the affected areas.

"The UN system in this region is moving to help those in need," Guterres said on X.

To date, at least 144 people have died and hundreds have been injured in Myanmar, while in Thailand at least 6 people have died and 117 others have been trapped or missing after a skyscraper in Bangkok collapsed due to an earthquake measuring 7.7 magnitudes with an epicenter in the Sagaing region, Myanmar, on Friday.

Based on data from the US Geological Survey (USGS), the initial earthquake was followed by an earthquake measuring 6.4 magnitudes within 12 minutes of time.