INDONESIA OFFERS SUPPORT FOLLOWING DEADLY MYANMAR-THAILAND EARTHQUAKE

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, March 29 (Bernama) -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed his condolences and pledged support following a powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand.

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, on Friday afternoon, causing significant infrastructure damage and prompting the Myanmar military government to declare a state of emergency.

The tremors were felt in neighbouring cities, including Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City, causing widespread damage and over 140 people dead, especially in Myanmar.

In a statement on his official X account, President Prabowo said: “I extend my deepest condolences for the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of both countries during this difficult time.”

He added that Indonesia “stands ready to provide all necessary support for recovery efforts in the affected areas.”

Indonesia sent a 15-member medical team and 50.5 tonnes of supplies, including medical materials, food, and logistics, to assist Vanuatu following the December 17 earthquake last year.

In other developments, the country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has confirmed that no Indonesian nationals were affected by the recent earthquake in Myanmar.

Its embassy in Yangon is closely monitoring the situation with local authorities, while about 250 Indonesians in Myanmar, including those in Mandalay, have reported being safe.

In Thailand, where 2,379 Indonesians reside, the embassy in Bangkok has received no reports of nationals impacted by the quake, according to the ministry’s statement.

Authorities in Myanmar and Thailand are still evaluating the full scale of the damage as international aid starts to arrive.

-- BERNAMA