China's Xi extends condolences to Myanmar over devastating earthquakes

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday extended condolences to Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing over devastating earthquakes that hit the country on Friday, killing over 1,000 people.

In his message, President Xi said he was shocked to learn that Myanmar suffered a strong earthquake disaster, causing heavy casualties and property losses, according to an official statement.

"On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I would like to express deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims, the injured, and the people in the disaster-stricken areas," he said.

Xi added that China is willing to provide the necessary assistance and support to people in disaster-stricken areas of Myanmar to overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes as soon as possible.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang also extended condolences to Min Aung Hlaing over the massive quakes.

Separately, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with the junta leader and conveyed his deep condolences at the loss of lives in the devastating quakes.

"As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour. Disaster relief material, humanitarian assistance, search & rescue teams are being expeditiously dispatched to the affected areas as part of #OperationBrahma," Modi wrote on X.

The death toll in Myanmar from the devastating quakes has risen to 1,002 with 2,376 injured, while in neighboring Thailand 11 provinces were affected, with eight dead and 101 missing after a skyscraper in Bangkok collapsed.

A strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Friday with its epicenter in Myanmar's Sagaing region.

The first jolt was followed by a 6.4-magnitude quake 12 minutes later, according to the US Geological Survey.

*Ahmad Adil contributed to this story from New Delhi