YANGON, April 2 — Myanmar's government will allocate 500 billion kyats (RM1.06 billion) for earthquake relief and rehabilitation efforts, said State Administration Council (SAC) chairman Min Aung Hlaing.
Xinhua quoted the Myanmar leader as making the statement at a cash donation ceremony in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday, where well-wishers donated 104.44 billion kyats (RM221.41 million) in cash and non-cash items worth 12.4 billion kyats (RM26.28 million).
State-owned daily The Global New Light of Myanmar reported that the contributions were received by the chairman of the national disaster management committee, the SAC vice chairman, council members, and other relevant officials.
Following a 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday (March 28), Min 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 Monday (March 31).
Among the 18 powerful earthquakes that have struck Myanmar, the 7.9-magnitude quake was the second strongest, following an 8.0-magnitude earthquake that hit the country in 1912, according to the local daily Myanma Alinn.
— Bernama
