TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — One Taiwanese individual is missing after a building collapsed during the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Thursday, the foreign ministry said.
In a statement, the ministry said its representative office told them the Taiwanese person was missing in Mandalay. The ministry said other Taiwanese in Myanmar are safe for now.
The ministry said the earthquake was severe and affected a vast area frequently visited by Taiwanese tourists. It said Taiwan's representative offices in Thailand and Myanmar are working to account for all Taiwanese affected by the disaster.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay and was followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock. AP reported that the extent of the damage, death, and injury in Myanmar remained unclear as the country faces a humanitarian crisis caused by a civil war.
Myanmar’s government said blood was in high demand, and videos showed collapsed buildings and damaged roads throughout the country. It declared a state of emergency in six areas, including Mandalay and the capital Naypyitaw.
The Red Cross said teams were struggling to reach Mandalay due to downed powerlines. “Initial reports from the ground suggest the earthquake has caused significant damage,” the Red Cross said.
At least three people died in Bangkok after an under-construction high-rise collapsed in the shaking. Thailand’s Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said 90 people are missing at the site and seven were rescued.
