In response to a catastrophic earthquake that struck Myanmar and reverberated across Thailand, the Pakistani Foreign Office (FO) has swiftly established a crisis cell to assist Pakistani nationals in the affected regions. The powerful quake, initially measured at a magnitude of 7.7 and later upgraded to 8.2, has claimed numerous lives and caused widespread destruction, prompting urgent action from governments worldwide.
The earthquake, centered near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, struck on Friday, sending tremors as far as Bangkok, Thailand, over 600 miles away. Myanmar’s military government has reported at least 144 deaths and over 730 injuries, with fears that the toll could climb significantly higher. In Bangkok, a skyscraper under construction collapsed, trapping approximately 80 workers beneath the rubble, while other buildings sustained severe damage. The disaster has also affected neighboring countries, including Vietnam, China, and India, with Myanmar authorities estimating up to 10,000 fatalities as rescue efforts continue.
Recognizing the potential impact on Pakistani citizens living, working, or traveling in the region, the Foreign Office announced the formation of a dedicated crisis cell late Friday. “We are deeply concerned about the safety of our nationals in Myanmar and Thailand following this devastating earthquake,” a spokesperson for the FO stated. “The crisis cell will work around the clock to locate and assist affected Pakistanis, providing support and coordinating with local authorities.”
The FO has urged Pakistani nationals in the affected areas to contact the crisis cell through emergency hotlines or the Pakistani embassies in Yangon and Bangkok. The cell is tasked with assessing the number of Pakistanis impacted, facilitating communication with families back home, and arranging emergency assistance, including medical aid and repatriation if necessary. While exact figures of Pakistani residents in the region remain unclear, many are believed to be employed in construction, trade, and educational sectors, particularly in Thailand.
The international community has begun mobilizing aid, with the United States, India, and the World Health Organization pledging support. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary emphasized ongoing coordination with Myanmar and Thai governments to ensure the safety of its citizens. As aftershocks loom and the full scale of the disaster unfolds, the FO’s crisis cell stands as a critical lifeline for Pakistanis caught in this unprecedented tragedy.
