United News of Bangladesh

South Korea’s Constitutional Court removed impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from office on Friday, ending his tumultuous presidency and setting up an election to find a new leader, four months after he threw South Korean politics into turmoil with an ill-fated declaration of martial law. The unanimous verdict capped a dramatic fall for Yoon, a former star prosecutor who went from political novice to president in 2022, just a year after he entered politics. In a nationally televised verdict, the court’s acting chief Moon Hyung-bae said the eight-member bench upheld Yoon’s impeachment because his martial law decree seriously violated the constitution and other laws. “The defendant not only declared martial law, but also violated the constitution and laws by mobilizing military and police forces to obstruct the exercise of legislative authority,” Moon said, “Ultimately, the declaration of martial law in this case violated the substantive requirements for emergency martial law.” “Given the grave negative impact on constitutional order and the significant ripple effects of the defendant’s violations, we find that the benefits of upholding the constitution by removing the defendant from office far outweigh the national losses from the removal of a president,” the justice concluded. Protesters erupt in jubilation and sorrow At an anti-Yoon rally near the old royal palace that dominates downtown Seoul, people erupted into tears and danced when the verdict was announced. Two women wept as they hugged and an old man near them leapt to his feet and screamed with joy. The crowd later began marching through Seoul streets. Some people were dressed in cute blue bear costumes, a protest mascot that uses the opposition’s colors. Outside Yoon's official residence, thousands of supporters cried and screamed when they saw the news of the verdict on a giant TV screen. They waved South Korean and U.S. flags and chanted slogans. “We will absolutely not be shaken!” a protest leader shouted on stage. “Anyone who accepts this ruling and prepares for an early presidential election is our enemy.” No major violence was immediately reported. Korea faces an election with deep divisions An election will be held within two months to repalce Yoon, but a festering national divide over Yoon’s impeachment will likely continue and could complicate South Korea’s efforts to deal with President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies and North Korea’s expanding ties with Russia, observers say. One of Yoon’s lawyers, Yoon Kap-keun, called the ruling “completely incomprehensible” and a “pure political decision,” but the former president did not immediately issue a statement. Yoon’s ruling People Power Party said it would accept the decision. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the country’s acting leader, in a televised speech vowed to ensure “there are no gaps in national security and diplomacy” and maintain public safety and order. Han was appointed prime minister, the country's No.2 official, by Yoon. “Respecting the will of our sovereign people, I will do my utmost to manage the next presidential election in accordance with the constitution and the law, ensuring a smooth transition to the next administration,” Han said. Surveys show Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, is the early favorite to win the by-election to choose Yoon's successor. Lee is facing trials for corruption and other charges. Lee welcomed the ruling and credited the South Korean people for “protecting our democratic republic.” “The courage of the people who stood in the face of guns, swords and tanks, along with the bravery of troops who refused to obey unjust orders, has led to this great revolution of light,” Lee said. Crisis started with a night of chaos four months ago Martial law lasted only six hours, but left behind a political crisis, rattling financial markets and unsettling the country’s diplomatic partners. In January, Yoon was separately arrested and indicted by prosecutors on alleged rebellion in connection with his decree, a charge that carries the death penalty or a life sentence if convicted. Under Yoon’s decree, the first of its kind in more than 40 years, hundreds of soldiers were dispatched to the assembly, election offices and other sites. Special operations soldiers smashed windows at the National Assembly and scuffled with citizens gathered to protest, shocking South Koreans and evoking traumatic memories of military rule. Enough lawmakers, including some from the ruling party, managed to enter the assembly to vote down his decree unanimously. No major violence occurred during the brief period of martial law, but some senior military and police officers sent to the assembly have testified that Yoon ordered them to drag out lawmakers to block a vote on his decree or to detain his political rivals. Yoon says the troops were deployed to the assembly simply to maintain order. Yoon, 64, a conservative, was impeached by the liberal opposition-controlled National Assembly on Dec. 14. The assembly accused him of violating the constitution and other laws by suppressing assembly activities, attempting to detain politicians, and undermining peace across the country. In his final testimony at the Constitutional Court hearing, Yoon said his decree was a desperate attempt to draw public support of his fight against the “wickedness” of the Democratic Party, which had obstructed his agenda, impeached top officials and slashed the government’s budget bill. He earlier called the National Assembly “a den of criminals” and “anti-state forces.” Yoon still faces criminal charges Some experts say Yoon may have imposed military rule to head off a possible independent investigation into scandals involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee. Without presidential immunity, Yoon could face other criminal charges, such as abuse of power. He’s the first South Korean president to be arrested or indicted while in office. Yoon served as prosecutor-general under his predecessor, liberal President Moon Jae-in, before joining the now-ruling party in 2021 following disputes with Moon allies. A public image as strong-minded and uncompromising helped him defeat Lee in the close-fought 2022 presidential election. But after becoming president, Yoon has faced criticism that he refused to replace officials implicated in scandals and vetoed many bills passed by the assembly. On foreign policy, Yoon pushed hard to bolster South Korea’s military alliance with the United States and overcome long-running disputes with Japan over historical traumas. He said that a greater Seoul-Washington-Tokyo security partnership is essential to coping with North Korea’s growing nuclear threats. Critics of Yoon accused him of unnecessarily provoking North Korea and neglecting relations with China, South Korea’s biggest trading partner.  

The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago has risen to 3,085, with search and rescue teams uncovering more bodies, according to the military-led government. Humanitarian aid groups are urgently working to provide medical care and shelter for survivors. Myanmar’s Military announces ceasefire to aid quake relief as death toll exceeds 3,000 In a brief statement, the military reported that 4,715 people were injured and 341 are still missing. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake, which struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, on Friday, caused widespread destruction, collapsing thousands of buildings, buckling roads, and destroying bridges across multiple regions. Local media reports suggest that the casualty figures are likely higher than the official numbers, and with widespread telecommunications outages and many areas difficult to access, the death toll is expected to increase as more information becomes available. The World Health Organization reported that, according to initial assessments, four hospitals and one health center were completely destroyed, and another 32 hospitals and 18 health centers sustained partial damage. The U.N. stated that “infrastructure has been severely compromised, and with patient numbers surging, access to healthcare has become nearly impossible in many of the worst-hit areas.” The organization added that thousands are urgently in need of trauma care, surgical interventions, and treatment for potential disease outbreaks. A mobile hospital from India and a joint Russian-Belarusian hospital are now operating in Mandalay. As many people have been left homeless and others are staying away from their homes due to the fear of aftershocks, workers in Naypyitaw are setting up large tents in open fields to provide temporary shelter in the extreme heat of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). In Mandalay, local residents offered slices of watermelon to Chinese volunteers taking a break from the heat. Survivors still being found after Myanmar quake but military threatens relief More than 1,550 international rescuers are working alongside local teams, as reported by the military. Rescue equipment and supplies have been sent by 17 countries. Myanmar’s military, which took power in 2021 following the overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically elected government, is embroiled in an ongoing civil conflict. The earthquake has compounded the already severe humanitarian crisis, with over 3 million people displaced and nearly 20 million in need of aid, as reported by the U.N. Amid concerns that ongoing fighting might hinder humanitarian efforts, the military announced a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday, effective until April 22. This followed ceasefire declarations by armed resistance groups opposed to the military’s rule. However, the military stated that it would still take “necessary” actions against groups using the ceasefire to regroup, train, or launch attacks. Local media in Kachin state reported ongoing military actions in several areas, although these reports could not be independently verified. The Kachin Independence Army, which has been fighting the military, also declared a ceasefire on Wednesday but maintained the right to defend itself. The cause of the reported fighting remains unclear. The earthquake also affected Kachin, though no significant damage has been reported there. In Bangkok, where the quake caused the collapse of a skyscraper under construction, the search for survivors and bodies continued. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that a possible sign of life had been detected in the rubble, but by the end of the day, no survivors had been found. The collapse of the building resulted in 22 deaths and 35 injuries.

A wave of forest fires has swept across Kashmir, with human activities and unregulated camping playing a more significant role than environmental factors this time. In the past week, multiple major fire incidents have been reported, particularly in South Kashmir. A devastating blaze erupted in the Lidder Forest Division on Tuesday evening, rapidly consuming large sections of the forest despite concerted efforts by the Forest Department and local volunteers, reports Greater Kashmir. Fires were simultaneously reported in several forest compartments, including Dachnipora in Pahalgam and Khuwripora in Aishmuqam, affecting compartments 17, 21, 22, 50, and 58. The flames also engulfed extensive forested areas in Budroo, Sallar, Kullar, Dehvatoo, Mawoora, Grendwan, Reshkobal, Hapatnad, Wajoora, and Pendobal. Division Forest Officer (DFO) Lidder, Shama Roohi, described the fires as catastrophic and linked them to human negligence. She suggested that people camping in the forests during Eid celebrations might have inadvertently triggered the fires by cooking and leaving behind flammable materials. “With the current dry conditions, even a small spark can escalate into a major blaze,” Roohi said. She noted that a coordinated team comprising the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force (FPF), Wildlife Department, Social Forestry, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local volunteers had been working tirelessly to contain the fires. “A case will be registered regarding these incidents,” she confirmed. Chief Conservator of Forests, Irfan Rasool, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and warned that strict action would be taken against those found responsible. He pointed out that unrestricted human movement within unfenced forest areas had made the forests highly vulnerable to fires. “Often, fires are sparked by miscreants who set dry grass, leaves, or bushes alight or carelessly discard lit cigarettes, causing devastating consequences,” Rasool explained. Indian parliament's Lower House passes controversial bill that would change Muslim endowments The Forest Department has already issued advisories urging people to minimise visits to forests and avoid carrying combustible substances. The advisory also recommends exercising extreme caution while moving livestock in forested areas and strictly refraining from discarding cigarette butts or domestic ash. “Violations will be dealt with under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927,” Rasool stated. He further emphasised the dangers of illegal coal and wood collection, which could inadvertently ignite fires, given the region’s dry conditions. “Forests are our natural wealth, and their protection is a collective responsibility,” he added. Kashmir has experienced repeated forest fires over recent months, with several blazes recorded in December last year and February this year, largely attributed to prolonged dry spells. The region has also witnessed a steady decline in forest cover over the years, exacerbated by deforestation and land conversion. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Kashmir lost 40.61 sq km of forest cover between 2021 and 2023, reducing from 21,387 sq km to 21,346 sq km. Jammu and Kashmir’s forests, spanning approximately 21,387 sq km with an additional tree cover of 2,867 sq km, make up around 10 percent of the region’s total geographical area. These forests, predominantly dry temperate, are home to valuable tree species such as Deodar, Kail, and Fir, which flourish at varying altitudes.

The Lower House of India's parliament early Thursday passed a controversial bill moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government to amend laws governing Muslim land endowments. The bill would add non-Muslims to boards that manage waqf land endowments and give the government a larger role in validating their land holdings. The government says the changes will help to fight corruption and mismanagement while promoting diversity, but critics fear that it will further undermine the rights of the country’s Muslim minority and could be used to confiscate historic mosques and other property. As hourslong debate in the Lower House grew heated as the Congress-led opposition firmly opposed the proposal, calling it unconstitutional and discriminatory against Muslims. Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party lacks a majority in the Lower House, but its allies helped to pass the bill. The debate that began Wednesday ended with 288 members voting for the bill while 232 were against it early Thursday. The bill will now need to clear the Upper House before it is sent to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent to become law. Later Thursday, lawmakers in the Upper House began debating the bill. At least eight hours have been set aside for discussion. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the bill to change a 1995 law that set rules for the foundations and set up state-level boards to administer them. Dr Yunus' remarks on Northeast India made with good intentions: High Representative Many Muslim groups as well as the opposition parties say the proposal is discriminatory, politically motivated and an attempt by Modi’s ruling party to weaken minority rights. The bill was first introduced in parliament last year, and opposition leaders have said some of their subsequent proposals on it were ignored. The government has said opposition parties are using rumors to discredit them and block transparency in managing the endowments. What’s a waqf? Waqfs are a traditional type of Islamic charitable foundation in which a donor permanently sets aside property — often but not always real estate — for religious or charitable purposes. Waqf properties cannot be sold or transferred. Waqfs in India control 872,000 properties that cover 405,000 hectares (1 million acres) of land, worth an estimated $14.22 billion. Some of these endowments date back centuries, and many are used for mosques, seminaries, graveyards and orphanages. Law would change who runs waqfs In India, waqf property is managed by semi-official boards, one for each state and federally run union territory. The law would require non-Muslims to be appointed to the boards. Currently, waqf boards are staffed by Muslims, like similar bodies that help administer other religious charities. During the parliamentary debate, Home Minister Amit Shah said non-Muslims would be included in waqf boards only for administration purposes and helping run the endowments smoothly. He added that they were not there to interfere in religious affairs. India's parliament set to debate controversial law on Muslim endowments “The (non-Muslim) members will monitor whether the administration is running as per law or not, and whether the donations are being used for what they were intended or not,” he said. One of the most controversial changes is to ownership rules, which could impact historical mosques, shrines and graveyards since many such properties lack formal documentation as they were donated without legal records decades, and even centuries, ago. Questions about title Other changes could impact mosques on land held in centuries-old waqfs. Radical Hindu groups have laid claim to several mosques around India, arguing they are built on the ruins of important Hindu temples. Many such cases are pending in courts. The law would require waqf boards to seek approval from a district level officer to confirm the waqfs’ claims to property. Critics say that would undermine the board and could lead to Muslims being stripped of their land. It’s not clear how often the boards would be asked to confirm such claims to land. “The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights,” Rahul Gandhi, the main opposition leader, wrote on social media platform X. He said the bill was an “attack on the Constitution” by the BJP and its allies “aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future.” Fears among Muslims While many Muslims agree that waqfs suffer from corruption, encroachments and poor management, they also fear that the new law could give India’s Hindu nationalist government far greater control over Muslim properties, particularly at a time when attacks against minority communities have become more aggressive under Modi, with Muslims often targeted for everything from their food and clothing styles to inter-religious marriages. Indian Army Chief, High Commissioner Verma discuss geostrategic issues Last month, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom said in its annual report that religious freedom conditions in India continued to deteriorate while Modi and his party “propagated hateful rhetoric and disinformation against Muslims and other religious minorities” during last year’s election campaign. Modi’s government says India is run on democratic principles of equality and no discrimination exists in the country. Muslims, who are 14% of India’s 1.4 billion population, are the largest minority group in the Hindu-majority nation but they are also the poorest, a 2013 government survey found.

Rescuers extracted two men alive from the debris of a hotel in Myanmar's capital early Wednesday. However, five days after the powerful earthquake struck, most teams were recovering only bodies, and concerns were rising that ongoing military attacks on resistance forces might obstruct relief efforts. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck at midday on Friday, destroying thousands of buildings, collapsing bridges, and damaging roads. The death toll climbed to 2,886 on Wednesday, with another 4,639 injured, according to state television MRTV. Local reports suggest the actual numbers may be much higher. Rescue efforts continue in Myanmar earthquake aftermath as death toll surpasses 2,700 The earthquake exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where a civil war had displaced over 3 million people and left nearly 20 million in need even before the disaster, according to the United Nations. Two major armed resistance forces, which have been fighting the military since it seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically elected government in 2021, have declared ceasefires to facilitate humanitarian aid. However, the military has continued its attacks. “Once again, they are prioritising regime survival over the well-being of the people, even in the face of disaster,” said Richard Horsey, a senior adviser for Myanmar at the Crisis Group. Dramatic Rescue in Myanmar’s Capital In Naypyitaw, a team of Turkish and local rescuers used an endoscopic camera to locate Naing Lin Tun on a lower floor of the damaged hotel where he worked. They carefully pulled him through a hole drilled in the floor and placed him on a gurney nearly 108 hours after he was trapped. Appearing weak but conscious, the 26-year-old was shirtless and covered in dust in a video released by the local fire department. He was fitted with an IV drip and transported for medical care. Later, MRTV reported that another 26-year-old was rescued from the same building, more than 121 hours after the quake. Elsewhere, a Malaysian and local team rescued a man from a collapsed home in Sagaing township, near the earthquake’s epicentre close to Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city. The quake also impacted neighbouring Thailand, where a high-rise under construction in Bangkok collapsed. One body was retrieved from the rubble early Wednesday, raising the death toll in Bangkok to 22, with 35 others injured, mostly at the construction site. Military Rejects Ceasefire The Three Brotherhood Alliance, a powerful coalition of militias that has seized significant territory from the military, declared a unilateral one-month ceasefire on Tuesday to aid humanitarian relief. The shadow opposition National Unity Government, formed by lawmakers ousted in 2021, had already called a ceasefire for its forces. Morgan Michaels, a Singapore-based analyst at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, noted that the announcements pressured the military government to follow suit. However, he cautioned that even if the military agreed, it was uncertain whether a temporary halt in fighting could lead to a lasting de-escalation. “Some, especially within the international community, may hope a humanitarian pause could pave the way for broader peace efforts,” he said. “But strong opposition remains within Myanmar to negotiating with the regime.” Bangladesh sends fire service rescue team to Myanmar Turning a humanitarian ceasefire into something enduring would require skilful diplomacy, he added, which is far from guaranteed. So far, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s military government, has rejected the ceasefire calls. The military insists that even if resistance groups are not actively fighting, their continued organisation and training constitute “attacks.” According to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar on Wednesday, the military “will continue to take necessary security measures.” While the Three Brotherhood Alliance has not launched any attacks since the earthquake, at least one other resistance group has, and the military has responded with airstrikes and assaults. Allegations of an Attack on a Chinese Red Cross Convoy An opposition militia linked to the Brotherhood Alliance alleged that the military fired on a convoy of nine Chinese Red Cross vehicles late Tuesday in Shan state near Ohn Ma Tee village. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army claimed the Red Cross had informed the military of its route while delivering supplies to Mandalay. However, military spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun denied prior notification, stating that security forces had fired warning shots at a convoy that refused to stop near Ohn Ma Tee, where fighting with the TNLA had recently occurred. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun did not confirm the attack but stated that “relief supplies provided by the Red Cross Society of China have arrived in Myanmar and are en route to Mandalay.” He reassured that “rescue personnel and supplies are safe.” China is a key economic partner for Myanmar and one of its largest military suppliers, along with Russia. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is investigating the incident. More International Aid Arrives in Myanmar Countries have pledged millions in aid to support Myanmar and humanitarian organisations tackling the crisis. On Wednesday, Australia announced an additional $4.5 million in assistance, supplementing the $1.25 million it had already committed. A rapid response team has also been deployed. India has delivered aid via air and naval ships, sending supplies and around 200 rescue workers. Other nations have also sent teams, including 270 personnel from China, 212 from Russia, and 122 from the United Arab Emirates. A three-person team from the U.S. Agency for International Development arrived Tuesday to assess how best to provide assistance, given Washington’s limited resources following foreign aid budget cuts. The U.S. has pledged $2 million in emergency aid. Unclear Impact Beyond Major Cities Most reports have come from Mandalay, near the earthquake’s epicentre, and Naypyitaw, about 270 kilometres (165 miles) to the north. Many areas remain inaccessible due to power outages, disrupted communication, and damaged roads, but additional reports are slowly emerging. In Singu township, about 65 kilometres (40 miles) north of Mandalay, a cave-in killed 27 gold miners, according to the independent Democratic Voice of Burma. In the Inle Lake region, northeast of the capital, many people perished when homes built on wooden stilts collapsed, the Global New Light of Myanmar reported, though specific figures were not provided.

India’s parliament on Wednesday began discussing a controversial proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government to amend laws governing Muslim land endowments in the country. The bill would add non-Muslims to boards that manage waqf land endowments and give the government a larger role in validating their land holdings. The government says the changes will help to fight corruption and mismanagement while promoting diversity, but critics fear that it will further undermine the rights of the country's Muslim minority and could be used to confiscate historic mosques and other property from them. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill on Wednesday, which would reform a 1995 law that set rules for the foundations and set up state-level boards to administer them. Debate in the parliament’s Lower House is expected to be heated as the Congress-led opposition is firmly against the proposal. Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party does not have a majority but may be able to depends on allies to pass the bill. Both BJP and the Congress have asked their lawmakers to be present in the House. If passed, the bill will need to clear the Upper House before it is sent to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent to become a law. Many Muslim groups as well as the opposition parties say the proposal is discriminatory, politically motivated and an attempt by Modi’s ruling party to weaken the minority rights. US lifts bounties on senior Taliban officials, including Sirajuddin Haqqani The controversial bill was first introduced in parliament last year, but was later sent to a committee of lawmakers for discussion after opposition parties raised concerns. The committee’s report was tabled in both houses of parliament on Feb. 13 amid protests by opposition leaders who said that their inputs were ignored. The government claims that opposition parties are using rumors to discredit them and block transparency in managing the endowments. What's a waqf? Waqfs are a traditional type of Islamic charitable foundation in which a donor permanently sets aside property — often but not always real estate — for religious or charitable purposes. Waqfs in India control 872,000 properties that cover 405,000 hectares (1 million acres) of land, worth an estimated $14.22 billion. Some of these endowments date back centuries, and many are used for mosques, seminaries, graveyards and orphanages. Law would change who runs waqfs In India, waqf property is managed by semi-official boards, one for each of the country’s states and federally-run union territories. The law would require non-Muslims to be appointed to the boards. Currently, waqf boards are staffed by Muslims, like similar bodies that help administer other religious charities. One of the most controversial amendments is the change to ownership rules, which potentially could impact historical mosques, shrines and graveyards under the waqf. It could change the ownership rules of many of these properties which lack formal documentation as they were donated without legal records decades, and sometimes, even centuries ago. Questions about title Other changes could impact historic mosques, whose land is often held in centuries-old waqfs. Hindu radical groups have targeted mosques across the country and laid claim to several of them, arguing they are built on the ruins of important Hindu temples. Many such cases are pending in courts. The law would require waqf boards to seek approval from a district level officer to confirm waqfs' claims to property. Critics say that would undermine the board and could lead to Muslims being stripped of their land. It's not clear how often the boards would be asked to confirm such claims to land. Fears among Muslims While many Muslims agree that waqfs suffer from corruption, encroachments and poor management, they also fear that the new law could give India’s Hindu nationalist government far greater control over Muslim properties, particularly at a time when attacks against the minority communities have become more aggressive under Modi, with Muslims often targeted for everything from their food and clothing styles to inter-religious marriages. Last month, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom said in its annual report that religious freedom conditions in India continued to deteriorate while Modi and his party “propagated hateful rhetoric and disinformation against Muslims and other religious minorities” during last year’s election campaign. Modi's government says India is run on democratic principles of equality and no discrimination exists in the country. Muslims, which make 14 percent of India’s 1.4 billion population, are the largest minority group in the Hindu-majority nation but they are also the poorest, a 2013 government survey found.

A 63-year-old woman was rescued from the debris of a collapsed building in Myanmar’s capital on Tuesday, but hopes of finding more survivors are diminishing. The powerful earthquake, which struck on Friday with a magnitude of 7.7, has so far claimed more than 2,700 lives, further deepening the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis amid a civil war. According to Myanmar’s fire department in Naypyitaw, the woman was pulled out alive 91 hours after being trapped under the rubble. Experts caution that survival chances drop significantly after 72 hours. Death Toll Expected to Climb FurtherMyanmar's military leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, announced at a relief donation forum in Naypyitaw that the earthquake has killed at least 2,719 people, with 4,521 others injured and 441 still unaccounted for, as reported by state broadcaster MRTV. He noted that this was the second most powerful earthquake recorded in Myanmar’s history, following an 8.0-magnitude quake in May 1912 near Mandalay. The full extent of the devastation remains unclear due to damaged infrastructure, power outages, and communication failures across affected areas. So far, most reports have emerged from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and the capital Naypyitaw, both near the quake’s epicenter. "The scale of need is immense and increasing by the hour," said Julia Rees, UNICEF's deputy representative for Myanmar. Myanmar’s fire department has reported that 403 people have been rescued in Mandalay, while 259 bodies have been recovered. Among the casualties, 50 Buddhist monks were killed when their monastery collapsed during a religious exam, with an estimated 150 others still buried beneath the debris. Bangladesh sends fire service rescue team to Myanmar Widespread Structural DamageThe World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 10,000 buildings have either collapsed or sustained severe damage. The quake also affected neighboring Thailand, where a high-rise under construction collapsed, killing 22 people and injuring 34 others in Bangkok. Rescue teams in Thailand recovered three bodies from the site between Monday and Tuesday, while dozens remain missing. In Myanmar, rescue efforts momentarily halted at noon on Tuesday for a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims. Slow Response and Relief ChallengesForeign aid and rescue teams have arrived, but operations have been hindered by the lack of heavy equipment in many areas. In Naypyitaw, workers were seen manually passing bricks and debris as they searched for survivors in a collapsed building. Myanmar's state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported that a Chinese rescue team managed to save four individuals on Monday, including a pregnant woman and a five-year-old child who had been trapped for over 60 hours. Two teenagers also escaped the rubble using their cellphone flashlights, helping rescuers locate their grandmother and sibling. International rescue teams from Russia, China, India, the UAE, and Southeast Asian nations are on the ground. Meanwhile, a small U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) disaster assessment team arrived on Tuesday after delays in obtaining visas. The U.S. had earlier announced $2 million in emergency aid. Growing Health Risks and Aid ConcernsMultiple countries have pledged millions of dollars in aid to Myanmar and humanitarian organizations. The earthquake has exacerbated an already dire situation, with over 3 million people displaced by the country’s civil war and nearly 20 million in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the U.N. Experts warn of potential disease outbreaks due to poor sanitation and overcrowded shelters. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported increased risks of respiratory infections, skin diseases, and vector-borne illnesses like dengue fever. Looming Monsoon Season and Civil War Complications Bangladesh's 55-member rescue, medical team arrives in quake-hit MyanmarShelter shortages remain critical, with many people sleeping outdoors due to destroyed homes or fear of aftershocks. The impending monsoon season further complicates the situation. Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict also hampers relief efforts. The military government, which seized power in 2021, continues to face armed resistance. While the opposition National Unity Government (NUG) has declared a unilateral ceasefire, military attacks persist, and reports indicate some anti-junta forces remain active. The NUG has urged the international community to ensure direct delivery of aid to victims, warning against possible interference by the ruling military. Meanwhile, the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a coalition of three ethnic armed groups, has also announced a month-long ceasefire. Despite these calls, Min Aung Hlaing stated in his Tuesday speech that military operations would continue against groups conducting military training, viewing such activities as acts of hostility. It remains uncertain whether the military is obstructing aid deliveries. Historically, Myanmar’s military government restricted foreign aid following Cyclone Nargis in 2008, which resulted in over 100,000 deaths. However, Min Aung Hlaing emphasized that the country is open to international assistance this time. Bangladesh sends 2nd consignment of emergency aid to Myanmar U.N. human rights monitor Tom Andrews underscored the urgency of halting military operations to facilitate relief efforts. "The priority in Myanmar should be saving lives, not taking them," he said on X (formerly Twitter). Source: With input from agency 

A fire caused by a burst gas pipe spread to several homes and sent a fireball soaring into the sky outside Malaysia’s largest city Tuesday, injuring more than 100 people. The towering inferno near a gas station in Putra Heights outside Kuala Lumpur was visible for kilometers (miles) and lasted for several hours. It happened during a public holiday as Muslims, who are the majority in Malaysia, celebrate the second day of Eid. National oil company Petronas said the fire started at one of its gas pipelines at 8:10 a.m. and the affected pipeline was later isolated. Disaster management officials said shutting the valves will eventually snuff out the fire. The flames, 20 stories high at one point, were small enough for firefighters to approach around 2:45 p.m., the Selangor state fire department told the Star newspaper. At least 49 houses were damaged and 112 people were injured, with 63 sent to the hospital for burns, breathing difficulties and other injuries, Selangor Deputy Police Chief Mohamad Zaini Abu Hassan was quoted by national Bernama news agency as saying. Selangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari said the fire department evacuated nearby homes as a safety measure and the residents will be placed in mosques nearby until the situation is under control. Pictures and videos of the fireball went viral on social media, with some residents saying they felt a strong tremor with the doors and windows of their homes shaking. Lee Weng Ken, who suffered burns to his left leg, said he was shocked when the ceiling of his house collapsed and crushed his vehicle parked in the compound of the house. “I rushed out of my house but fell and suffered burns due to the heat from the blaze near my house,” he told Bernama. Another victim who only wanted to be known as Andy, told Bernama he ran out of his home with his children when they felt tremors and saw the raging fire about 100 meters (yards) away. “I could only take the car out. My 18-year-old daughter injured her foot when she fell while climbing the fence due to the heat, he said. Petronas said three gas stations were closed as a precaution, though they weren't affected, and investigations are still underway.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced on Tuesday that they had shot down another American MQ-9 Reaper drone, even as the U.S. continued its campaign of heavy airstrikes against the group. The reported incident took place over Yemen’s contested Marib governorate, while U.S. airstrikes targeted areas around Sanaa, the rebel-held capital, and Saada, a Houthi stronghold. U.S. President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to both the Houthis and their key backer, Iran, asserting that the group had “been decimated” by the strikes that began on March 15. “Many of their Fighters and Leaders are no longer with us,” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social. “We hit them every day and night — Harder and harder. Their capabilities that threaten Shipping and the Region are rapidly being destroyed. Our attacks will continue until they are no longer a threat to Freedom of Navigation.” He added: “The choice for the Houthis is clear: Stop shooting at U.S. ships, and we will stop shooting at you. Otherwise, we have only just begun, and the real pain is yet to come, for both the Houthis and their sponsors in Iran.” Houthis Claim They Downed Another US Drone The rebels stated that they had shot down a drone over Marib governorate, a region rich in oil and gas fields still controlled by allies of Yemen’s exiled central government. Footage circulating on social media showed flames illuminating the night sky, accompanied by a Yemeni man’s claim that a drone had been brought down. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, confirmed in a prerecorded video that the group had downed an MQ-9 drone. Saree explained that the rebels had used “a suitable locally manufactured missile” to target the drone. The Houthis possess surface-to-air missiles, including the Iranian-made 358 missile, which can take down aircraft. Iran has denied supplying arms to the Houthis, though Tehran-manufactured weapons have been discovered both on the battlefield and in sea shipments bound for the Shiite rebel group, despite a United Nations arms embargo. The U.S. military acknowledged reports of the Reaper drone’s downing but declined to comment further when approached by The Associated Press. General Atomics Reapers, which cost around $30 million each, can operate at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet (12,100 meters) and remain airborne for over 30 hours. The aircraft have been used by both the U.S. military and the CIA for years in Afghanistan, Iraq, and now Yemen. The Houthis claim to have shot down 20 MQ-9 drones over Yemen, including 16 during their campaign tied to the Israel-Hamas war. However, the U.S. military has not disclosed the total number of drones lost in the region. Intense US Bombings Began March 15 An Associated Press analysis indicates that the new American offensive against the Houthis under Trump appears to be more extensive than previous operations under former President Joe Biden. The campaign has expanded beyond targeting launch sites to striking key personnel and conducting bombings in cities. This wave of airstrikes, which the Houthis report has killed at least 61 people, began after the group threatened to resume attacks on “Israeli” ships in response to Israel blocking aid to Gaza. The Houthis’ broad definition of “Israeli” vessels means a wide range of ships could be at risk. Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two and killing four sailors. They have also launched attacks on U.S. warships, though none have been hit so far. These assaults have significantly raised the Houthis’ global profile as they contend with economic challenges and suppress dissent within Yemen, a nation devastated by over a decade of conflict.

Suspected US airstrikes targeted areas around Yemen’s rebel-controlled capital overnight into Monday morning, with the Iranian-backed Houthis reporting at least one fatality. The full scale of the damage and any additional casualties was not immediately clear. The strikes followed a night of intense airstrikes on Friday, which appeared more severe than others in the ongoing campaign that began on March 15. The airstrikes around Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, held by the Houthis since 2014, also left four people injured, according to the rebels. Their al-Masirah satellite news channel broadcast footage showing shattered glass scattered across homes after the blast from the bombs, although the targets of the attacks were not shown, implying that they were military or intelligence sites. An Associated Press review suggests that the current US operation against the Houthis under President Donald Trump is more extensive than those under former President Joe Biden, as the US now targets both launch sites and senior personnel, in addition to dropping bombs in cities. This latest series of airstrikes, which the Houthis claim has killed at least 59 people, began after the rebels threatened to resume targeting “Israeli” ships in retaliation for Israel blocking aid to the Gaza Strip. The Houthis have previously defined "Israeli" ships loosely, meaning other vessels might be targeted. Between November 2023 and January this year, the Houthis attacked more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two ships and killing four sailors. They also launched attacks on American warships, although none have been hit so far. These attacks have significantly raised the Houthis' profile as they face economic struggles and have cracked down on dissent and aid workers within Yemen, amidst a decade-long war that has devastated the Arab world's poorest nation.