International Community Extends Support to

Myanmar and Thailand Over Earthquake

Following the severe earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, numerous countries worldwide have extended condolences and expressed their willingness to assist in recovery efforts.

Mobilizing International Resources for Rescue Operations

The road surface is cracked in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar. (Photo: AFP)

On March 28, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced that the organization was mobilizing resources in Southeast Asia to assist those affected.

According to UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Fletcher, the UN has allocated US $5 million from its Emergency Response Fund to support relief efforts and provide essential supplies to the affected population in Myanmar.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has activated its emergency management system to respond to the earthquake in Myanmar. WHO’s logistics center in Dubai is also being mobilized to prepare emergency medical supplies.

WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris emphasized that the organization considers this disaster a major threat to human lives and health. WHO is focusing on gathering necessary medical supplies, particularly trauma support equipment and external fixation devices, to provide timely treatment for the injured.

A rescue worker searches for victims in a collapsed building after the earthquake in Myanmar. (Photo: Reuters)

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has stated that its relief teams are assessing the impact of the disaster and preparing humanitarian aid. In a post on social media platform X, UNICEF expressed deep concern about the devastating effects of the March 28 earthquake on children and families in Myanmar.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has announced that it is coordinating with the Myanmar Red Cross Society to assess the situation.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed that the bloc stands ready to assist Myanmar and Thailand following the deadly earthquake. European Copernicus satellites are currently supporting first responders. In a message on social media platform X, she wrote: "Heartbreaking scenes after the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. My condolences to the victims and their families."

Rescue workers save a victim trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building caused by the earthquake in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (Photo: AP/Aung Shine Oo)

On the same day, the Kremlin reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolence to the Myanmar government, sharing the grief of the victims' families and expressing hope for a swift recovery.

According to Russian news agency TASS, the Russian Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief dispatched two aircraft carrying 120 rescue personnel and essential supplies to support Myanmar’s disaster response efforts.

Late on March 28 (US time), US President Donald Trump announced that he had spoken with officials in Myanmar and stated that Washington would provide some form of assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake.

An organization provides medical assistance to earthquake victims at a hospital in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on March 28, 2025. (Photo: AP)

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce added, "USAID has maintained a disaster response team capable of providing assistance if needed."

Reports indicate that American billionaire Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, has also been deployed to support communication and relief efforts in Thailand and Myanmar. "It is heartbreaking to hear about the damage caused by the earthquake in Thailand and Myanmar. The SpaceX team is prepared to provide Starlink kits to support communication and relief needs, subject to any necessary government approvals," a Starlink representative stated.

The Yunnan rescue team (China) prepares to depart from Changshui International Airport in Kunming to carry out disaster relief efforts in Myanmar on March 29, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

On March 28, Chinese news agency Xinhua quoted a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "China is ready to do its utmost to provide emergency humanitarian assistance and aid to the affected areas in Myanmar. We hope and believe that the government and people of Myanmar will overcome difficulties and rebuild their infrastructure soon."

Early on March 29, a rescue team from Yunnan Province, China, arrived in Yangon, Myanmar. The team, comprising 37 members, brought emergency relief equipment such as life detection devices, early earthquake warning systems, and drones. They are expected to participate in disaster relief and medical treatment efforts.

India sends 15 tons of relief materials to Myanmar. (Photo: ANI)

Casualties are projected to rise

Earlier, on the afternoon of March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Mandalay, Myanmar, with tremors felt in Thailand, Laos, China, Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam.

As of the latest update on the morning of March 29, Myanmar has reported 144 deaths and over 700 injuries. Thailand has yet to release official figures, but at least 10 bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a collapsed construction site in Bangkok, where dozens remain missing.

However, actual casualties could be significantly higher. According to a warning model by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the death toll from the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake could exceed 10,000 due to high population density and extensive building damage, as reported by The New York Times.

Thai residents rushed into the streets after feeling the earthquake aftershocks. (Photo: REUTERS)

USGS also estimated a 35% probability that the earthquake would cause economic losses between US $10 billion and US $100 billion, equivalent to approximately one-third of Myanmar’s GDP.

On the afternoon of March 28, Myanmar’s military government issued an international appeal for humanitarian aid following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake.

Military government spokesperson Zaw Min Tun stated, "We hope the international community will send humanitarian aid as soon as possible." He also highlighted the urgent need for blood donations to treat the injured in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyidaw.

Myanmar has yet to release official casualty figures. However, AFP noted that the early appeal for international aid, something rarely requested by Myanmar’s military government in past natural disasters, suggests the extent of the damage may be particularly severe.