This nation’s authorities announced that at least 300 people are missing and about 3,400 were injured, however, the dead and injured could increase in the next few hours.

Numerous buildings in several cities collapsed due to the earthquake, whose epicenter was 600 kilometers from the capital.

The telecommunications infrastructure and transportation routes were severely affected, hampering travel nationwide and isolating some areas.

Some neighboring countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan, began to send health aid and specialized personnel in rescue situations. The amount of devastated territory and the population in need is quite large.

Last Friday’s earthquake also wreaked havoc in Thailand, leaving 17 people dead, 32 injured, and 83 missing, and damage to infrastructure in 18 provinces.

jrr/iff/ro/msm