World leaders pledge support after deadly Myanmar earthquake

Reuters

Global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and UN chief Antonio Guterres, pledged support to Myanmar after a powerful earthquake killed over 150 people.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he had spoken with officials in Myanmar following the deadly earthquake that struck the country and that his administration would be offering some form of assistance.

The 7.7-magnitude quake killed more than 150 people in Myanmar, toppling buildings and damaging infrastructure across a wide area, including a skyscraper under construction in neighboring Thailand.

However, there is skepticism about Washington’s ability to assist effectively, given Trump’s previous cuts to the foreign aid agency USAID.

A U.S. government analysis, based on the quake’s strength and depth, estimated the potential for thousands of deaths and severe economic loss, with the Sagaing and Meiktila regions identified as the worst affected.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres offered condolences in a social media post and said the UN system in the region is mobilizing to assist those in need.

The European Union and France have also pledged support to Myanmar and Thailand. EU President Ursula von der Leyen noted that Europe’s Copernicus satellites are already aiding first responders and that further assistance is available.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is "concerned" by the situation and that Indian authorities are "on standby" to help victims in both Myanmar and Thailand.

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