Bangladesh sending military rescue team to Myanmar after devastating earthquake

A Bangladesh Armed Forces rescue team is heading to Myanmar after the earthquake, to assist in managing the aftermath of the calamity.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced this in a media statement on Saturday, mentioning the team will leave for Myanmar on Sunday.

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake was felt in Myanmar on Mar 28. Its epicentre was 17.2 kilometres away from Mandalay.

The quake, which struck Mandalay, Sagaing, and Yangon, as well as the capital Naypyidaw, caused widespread damage.

The death toll from the devastating earthquake has now surpassed 1,000, the war-torn country's military has confirmed.

The ISPR statement said, “A Bangladesh Armed Forces rescue team will leave for Myanmar tomorrow, Sunday, in a special flight to provide emergency medicine, relief supplies, rescue and medical assistance in view of the damage caused by the earthquake."

A model by the US Geological Survey (USGS) says the death toll in this earthquake could exceed 10,000.

In addition to Myanmar, the earthquake also caused extensive damage in Thailand.

At least 10 people have been reported dead, and dozens of workers are trapped under a multi-storey building.