Myanmar's Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay airports set to resume local operations

IANS April 3, 2025 175 views

A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar last Friday, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The country has experienced 66 aftershocks, with the death toll rising to 3,085 and 4,715 people injured. In response, Min Aung Hlaing's government has committed 500 billion kyats to relief efforts and welcomed international rescue teams. Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay airports are now preparing to resume local operations, signaling the beginning of recovery efforts.

"We will allocate 500 billion kyats for earthquake relief" - Min Aung Hlaing, SAC Chairman
Yangon, April 3: Myanmar's Nay Pyi Taw International Airport and Mandalay International Airport, damaged by a devastating earthquake, are set to resume local travel services.

Key Points

1

Myanmar experiences massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake with significant infrastructure damage

2

International rescue teams from 16 countries arrive to provide humanitarian aid

3

Death toll rises to 3,085 with 4,715 injured

4

Airports set to resume operations on April 4-5

The two airports had temporarily halted flights following the earthquake, Xinhua news agency reported citing details from the Myanmar Radio and Television on Thursday.

According to the Department of Civil Aviation, Mandalay International Airport will reopen at 6 am local time on April 4, while Nay Pyi Taw International Airport will resume operations at 6 am local time on April 5, it added.

As of Thursday morning, Myanmar has experienced 66 aftershocks ranging from magnitudes 2.8 to 7.5, according to the country's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology.

These aftershocks followed a devastating 7.7-magnitude temblor that struck the country last Friday.

Meanwhile, the State Administration Council (SAC) Chairman, Min Aung Hlaing, said that Myanmar's government will allocate 500 billion kyats (about $238.09 million) for earthquake relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The Myanmar leader made the statement at a cash donation ceremony in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday, where well-wishers donated 104.44 billion kyats ($49.71 million) in cash and non-cash items worth 12.4 billion kyats ($5.9 million), state-owned daily The Global New Light of Myanmar reported.

The contributions were received by the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, the SAC Vice Chairman, council members, and other relevant officials, it added.

Following the deadly earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, Min Aung Hlaing called for international assistance. In response, rescue teams, medics and nurses from 16 countries and regions have arrived in Myanmar with humanitarian aid and medical supplies as of March 31, it said.

Among the 18 powerful earthquakes that have struck Myanmar, the 7.7-magnitude quake was the second strongest, following an 8.0-magnitude temblor that hit the country in 1912, according to the local daily Myanma Alinn.

The death toll from Friday's 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 3,085, with 4,715 injured and 341 still missing, according to the State Administration Council information team on Wednesday.

Reader Comments

A
Aung K.
This is such good news! My cousin in Mandalay has been waiting to fly home to see family. The recovery efforts seem to be moving quickly despite the devastation. 🙏
T
Thida S.
While I'm glad airports are reopening, I hope they've done thorough safety checks. The aftershocks are still happening - safety should come first before convenience.
K
Kyaw Z.
The international response has been heartwarming to see. 16 countries sending aid shows we're not alone in this crisis. Stay strong Myanmar!
M
Myat P.
The death toll numbers are heartbreaking 💔 My thoughts are with all the families affected. Does anyone know where we can donate to help the relief efforts?
S
Suu L.
Interesting that this is the second strongest quake in over 100 years. Makes you wonder about earthquake preparedness in our region. Maybe we need better infrastructure standards?
H
Hla T.
The government's allocation of 500 billion kyats is substantial. Hope the funds reach those who need it most and aren't lost to bureaucracy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Myanmar Earthquake Min Aung Hlaing Nay Pyi Taw Airport Mandalay Airport Disaster Recovery
You May Like!