Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan on Friday expressed deep grief over the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar, Thailand and neighboring countries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar conveyed his sympathies, stating, “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the governments and people of Thailand and Myanmar in the wake of today’s devastating earthquake. We stand in solidarity with our friends, hoping for their swift recovery and minimal loss. May they find strength and resilience in this challenging time.”
A statement from the Pakistan’s Foreign Office echoed these sentiments, offering condolences and prayers for those affected by the disaster.
“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy, and we are praying for all those affected as well as for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in statement.
Pakistan also appreciated the courageous people and emergency responders who were working diligently on the ground and were engaged in rescue operations.
“Their bravery and commitment during this urgent time are truly admirable,” the statement read.
The powerful earthquake rocked Southeast Asia on Friday, killing several people, bringing down a skyscraper under construction in Bangkok, Thailand and toppling buildings in neighbouring Myanmar, where the government declared a state of emergency in some areas.
At least 3 people were killed in the town of Taungoo in Myanmar when a mosque partially collapsed, according to witnesses, while local media reported that at least 2 people died and 20 were wounded after a hotel collapsed in Aung Ban.
In Thailand, at least one person was killed and dozens of workers were rescued from under the rubble of the skyscraper that had been under construction in Bangkok, Thailand’s National Institute of Emergency Medicine said.
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Bangkok’s city authorities declared the capital a disaster-hit area, saying they needed to assess and monitor damaged areas, and help people who might still be at risk.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake, which struck at lunchtime, was of 7.7 magnitude and at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). It was followed by a powerful aftershock.
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The epicentre was about 17.2 kilometers from the Myanmar city of Mandalay, which has a population of approximately 1.5 million.
