Thailand lifts state of emergency after earthquake in Myanmar

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has announced that the state of emergency declared following the recent earthquake in Myanmar was officially lifted.

The government confirmed that conditions across various regions of Thailand, including Bangkok, have returned to normal. The earthquake, which had caused significant disruption, particularly in the border areas, prompted the temporary emergency measures to ensure the safety and stability of affected regions, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

On April 1, the Bangkok administration officially revoked the disaster declaration, signaling the successful resolution of the immediate crisis. "This action reflects significant progress in addressing the aftermath of the earthquake, and its impact on residents, infrastructure, and city services," the ministry's statement said.

On April 2, Myanmar observed a minute of silence to honor the victims of a catastrophic earthquake that claimed over 2,700 lives, caused roads to collapse, and destroyed buildings as far as Bangkok. 

Four days after the 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck, many people in Myanmar continue to sleep outdoors, either unable to return to their damaged homes or fearful of aftershocks. 

At exactly 12:51:02 PM (0621 GMT), sirens sounded nationwide to mark the moment the quake hit on March 28, halting activities across the country in remembrance of the lives lost. Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of 1.7 million, experienced some of the most severe destruction. 

Outside the Sky Villa apartment complex, one of the hardest-hit locations, rescue workers paused, standing in solemn silence with their hands behind their backs to pay tribute. Officials and onlookers stood behind a cordon, while sirens blared and the Myanmar flag flew at half-mast from a bamboo pole at a rescue tent. 

This moment of remembrance is part of a week-long national mourning period declared by the ruling junta, with flags at half-mast on government buildings until April 6 "in sympathy for the lives lost and the extensive damage." At least 20 people were also killed in neighboring Thailand. The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers reach more remote towns and villages, where communication has been cut off due to the earthquake.

By Naila Huseynova