Myanmar on Monday announced seven days of national mourning following a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the central region on Friday, claiming the lives of more than 1,700 people. State-run broadcaster MRTV said the national flag will be flown at half-staff throughout the mourning period in honor of the victims. More than 3,400 others were reported injured, while over 300 remain missing amid ongoing search and rescue operations. Myanmar's military ruler Gen. Min Aung Hlaing held a phone conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday to discuss the disaster's aftermath and efforts to coordinate relief and humanitarian support. A growing number of countries, including Russia, India, China, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations, have dispatched emergency aid and specialized rescue teams to assist in the recovery operations. The powerful quake has caused widespread destruction across multiple regions, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums in the worst-hit areas. — Agencies
