Myanmar junta asks for international aid after quake

Myanmar’s ruling junta declared a state of emergency across six regions after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing visited a hospital in Naypyidaw, where the wounded were being treated.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told AFP, “We want the international community to give humanitarian aid as soon as possible.” Although casualty numbers have not yet been reported, the junta’s rare appeal for international assistance suggests the scale of damage may be significant.

The state of emergency is in effect in six of the worst-affected areas: Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, northeastern Shan State, Naypyidaw, and Bago. Zaw Min Tun added that blood donations were urgently needed for patients in Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Sagaing.