A 26-year-old man was rescued alive from the rubble of a hotel in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, after being trapped for over 108 hours following a massive earthquake. Naing Lin Tun, who worked at the hotel, was discovered by rescue teams using an endoscopic camera. He was carefully pulled from the debris after a hole was jackhammered through the floor. Despite appearing weak and shirtless, Naing Lin Tun was conscious and was given an IV drip before being transported for medical treatment.
The earthquake, which struck on Friday with a 7.7 magnitude, caused widespread destruction across Myanmar, killing 2,886 people and injuring over 4,600. Thousands of buildings, bridges, and roads were destroyed. Local reports suggest the actual death toll may be much higher. The earthquake also impacted neighboring Thailand, where a building collapse in Bangkok killed 22 people.
Myanmar is already grappling with a civil war, which has worsened the humanitarian crisis. Over 3 million people were displaced before the quake, and nearly 20 million were in urgent need of assistance, according to the United Nations.
In an effort to facilitate aid, the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a militia group, announced a ceasefire to allow humanitarian operations. However, attacks continued after the earthquake, including one where Myanmar’s military allegedly fired on a Chinese Red Cross convoy in Shan state. The convoy, bringing supplies to Mandalay, had been reported to the military, but authorities said the convoy did not follow proper procedures.
International aid has poured into Myanmar, with several countries pledging millions to assist in relief efforts. Australia is providing $4.5 million, and India has sent Navy ships with supplies and 200 rescue workers. China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates have also deployed teams to assist. The U.S. has sent a small team to evaluate the situation and pledged $2 million in aid.
While the damage in major cities like Mandalay and Naypyitaw is being assessed, many areas, including rural regions, remain difficult to access. In Singu township, 27 gold miners were killed in a cave-in, and reports from Inle Lake indicated significant loss of life due to collapsed homes. The full extent of the devastation is still unfolding.
News
How Balkan Crime Groups Rose to Power in South America's Drug Trade
Over the past two decades, crime groups from the Western Balkans have become key players in South America’s cocaine trade, building strong global networks.
Ethiopia, Uganda Resume Joint Ministerial Talks After Six Years
Ethiopia and Uganda have reconvened their Joint Ministerial Commission after a six-year break, aiming to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as trade, security, and diplomacy.
IG Kanja Defends Presence at Ruto’s Nyeri Rally, Dismisses LSK Claims
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome Kanja has defended his presence at President William Ruto’s rally in Nyeri, dismissing claims by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) that his attendance was inappropriate.
Trade CS Kinyanjui Explains Impact of U.S. 10% Export Tariff on Kenya
Kenya’s Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) has addressed concerns over the new 10% export tariff imposed by the United States, explaining what it means for the country’s trade sector.
Kwale Governor Blocks Illegal Sale of Historic Kongo Mosque Land
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has halted an illegal attempt to sell the 18-acre land surrounding the historic Kongo Mosque, a move welcomed by conservationists and religious leaders.
Sakaja Extends Nairobi Land Rates Payment Deadline to April 15
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has extended the deadline for land rates payments to April 15, 2025, giving property owners more time to settle their dues without facing penalties.
Kenyan Woman Arrested in Mumbai with Cocaine Worth KSh 270M
A 43-year-old Kenyan woman, Emily Kannin Rodha, was arrested in Mumbai on April 1, 2025, for attempting to smuggle 1.7 kg of cocaine valued at approximately KSh 270 million.
Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 3,085 Amid Search Efforts
The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar last week has risen to 3,085, with search and rescue teams continuing to recover bodies.
Taliban Seeks $100 Million from World Bank to Restart CASA-1000 Project
Afghanistan’s Taliban administration is awaiting the transfer of $100 million from the World Bank to resume work on the Afghan section of the CASA-1000 electricity transmission project, which aims to connect Central Asia with South Asia.
Turkey Moves to Take Control of Syria's T4 Air Base Amid Tensions
Turkey is reportedly taking steps to gain control of Syria's Tiyas air base, also known as T4, to enhance its military presence in the region.
Fire on Lagos Ferry Injures Four Passengers, All Evacuated Safely
A fire broke out on a ferry at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal in Ikorodu, Lagos State, on Thursday, injuring four passengers.
Kenya to Challenge Court Ruling Blocking School Fee Payments on eCitizen
The government plans to appeal a court ruling that blocked the use of the eCitizen platform for paying school fees, arguing that the system was introduced to enhance transparency and accountability in fee collection.
Mudavadi: Kenya Gets 20 South Sudanese Refugees Every Day
Kenya receives about 20 refugees from South Sudan daily, a situation that is straining the country’s resources and presenting new challenges for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, according to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Nigeria Immigration Arrests 51 Malians Over Irregular Entry
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested 51 irregular migrants from Mali in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
DR Congo Overturns Death Sentences for Three Americans in Coup Plot
Three Americans convicted for their involvement in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have had their death sentences reduced to life imprisonment, according to the country's presidency.