Magnitude 7 Earthquake Strikes Tonga Islands; Myanmar Faces Dire Predictions

An earthquake of magnitude 7 struck the Tonga Islands with no damage reported. In Myanmar, predictive models suggest a potential death toll exceeding 10,000. Survivors in Mandalay are desperately attempting rescues, with significant casualties reported. Meanwhile, Rome considers a major agreement with SpaceX, and local authorities address overcharging issues at airports.

A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 7 struck the Tonga Islands; however, no immediate damage has been reported. The U.S. Geological Service’s modeling predicted a dire death toll for Myanmar, possibly exceeding 10,000 due to a recent disaster. In Mandalay, survivors were observed digging with bare hands to rescue those trapped, highlighting the lack of heavy machinery and absence of authorities.

In Rome, discussions continue regarding a potential five-year agreement worth 1.5 billion euros (approximately $1.6 billion) with SpaceX’s Starlink. Reports indicated that storm-related destruction resulted in exposed roots, snapped branches, and derailed trunks, reflecting the severe environmental impacts. Meanwhile, a gala event, the Taste of Australia, successfully returned to the Park Hyatt Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City after a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noteworthy incidents include a Norwegian player who made a significant comeback by equalizing promptly in a game before sustaining an ankle injury. As rescuers risked aftershocks to search for survivors in Mandalay, the recent earthquake led to a considerable casualty toll of at least 1,700 deceased, 3,400 injured, and over 300 individuals still unaccounted for. The epicenter of the earthquake was located at a depth of 29 kilometers (18 miles), approximately 73 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Pangai village. Furthermore, the local competition authority accused an airport operator of overcharging airlines and passengers.

In summary, a powerful earthquake in Tonga has raised concerns without immediate reports of damage, while Myanmar faces a grim situation with a predicted high death toll. Efforts continue in Mandalay to rescue trapped individuals amid substantial environmental damage from storms. Additionally, international dialogues regarding investment with SpaceX and local economic challenges are noteworthy. These events reflect the intertwined nature of natural disasters and socio-economic challenges, emphasizing the need for emergency preparedness and response measures.

Original Source: tuoitrenews.vn