Magnitude 7 Earthquake Hits Tonga; Myanmar Faces Catastrophic Aftermath

A magnitude 7 earthquake struck the Tonga islands with no damage reported, while a severe earthquake in Myanmar resulted in over 1,700 deaths. Survivors in Mandalay are digging for victims without heavy machinery. Environmental concerns continue to arise from oil extraction waste, and various social events resume post-pandemic disruptions.

A recent earthquake of magnitude 7 struck the Tonga islands; however, no damage has been reported to date. This seismic event follows the predictive modeling by the U.S. Geological Service, which estimated Myanmar’s potential death toll from previous disasters could exceed 10,000. The ongoing environmental impact of oil extraction has also raised concerns regarding the staggering waste generated from these activities.

In Myanmar’s Mandalay, survivors laboriously dug through debris with their bare hands on Friday to rescue individuals still trapped, facing a lack of heavy machinery and absent authorities. The destructive earthquake resulted in over 1,700 fatalities and left 3,400 individuals injured, with more than 300 still unaccounted for as of Sunday. The earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 29 kilometers, located 73 kilometers southeast of Pangai village.

Authorities reported numerous environmental consequences from the earthquake including exposed roots, snapped branches, and displaced tree trunks. Meanwhile, the Park Hyatt Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City hosted the return of the Taste of Australia Gala Reception after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, in response to issues of overcharging airlines and travelers, the country’s competition watchdog has taken action against the airport operator.

In summary, the recent earthquake in Tonga has highlighted the need for vigilance in disaster preparedness, as seen in the aftermath of events in Myanmar where substantial human loss has occurred. The focus on environmental impacts, including waste from oil extraction, remains critical. Moreover, community resilience is evidenced by survivors’ efforts to aid each other, despite challenges presented by inadequate resources. Overall, these incidents illustrate ongoing geopolitical and social issues that demand attention and intervention.

Original Source: tuoitrenews.vn