Powerful earthquake kills over 150 people in Myanmar and Thailand, Pg 14

Disaster Overview

• 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmars second-largest city.
• Followed by a 6.4 aftershock; widespread damage reported in Myanmar and Bangkok.
• Death toll: 144 in Myanmar, 8 in Thailand; 730 injured.

Infrastructure Impact

• Collapsed buildings, buckled roads, cracked bridges, damaged hospitals.
• Collapse of dam triggered concerns over humanitarian crisis.
• Casualties included Chinese construction workers in Thailand.

Rescue Challenges

• Search ongoing; dozens missing under a collapsed 30-storey structure.
• Limited state response capacity; civil conflict hampers relief in Myanmar.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Highlights urgent need for regional earthquake preparedness.
• ASEAN and BIMSTEC can collaborate on early warning systems and resilient construction norms.

Mains Mock Question:

"Discuss the challenges in disaster management posed by earthquakes in politically unstable regions. Suggest a cooperative regional framework for response and preparedness."