Myanmar Earthquake: LA Community Reacts to Devastating 7.7 Magnitude Quake

Devastating Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Thailand

• 🌍 A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing massive destruction and killing at least 150 people, with numbers expected to rise.
• 💥 The quake devastated cities like Mandalay, causing at least 140 deaths, while neighboring Thailand reported at least 10 deaths due to a high-rise collapse in Bangkok.
• ⚠️ Images show shocking scenes of destruction, including a toppled pagoda and shoppers fleeing in fear.

Pre-existing Crisis in Myanmar

• 💔 Myanmar, already in crisis due to civil war and military rule, faces immense challenges in rescue efforts.
• 🚧 Damaged bridges and roads, along with aftershocks, are complicating efforts to reach those affected.
• 📉 The ongoing civil war and military rule are hindering information flow and aid delivery to affected areas.

Impact on Los Angeles Communities

• 😥 Members of the Burmese community in Culver City, near Jasmine Market, have heavy hearts as they have loved ones in Myanmar.
• 📰 They are relying on local publications like the LA-based Myanmar Gazette for information due to communication outages.
• 🤝 Both the local Burmese and Thai communities in LA are rallying together to raise funds for relief efforts.

Southern Californian's Experience

• 🏙️ A Southern Californian, Francisco Garcia, was in downtown Bangkok during the earthquake and described the experience as chaotic and scary.
• 🏢 He felt the room swaying for about a minute to a minute and a half, highlighting the intensity of the quake even in Thailand.

Fundraising and Support Efforts

• 💰 Bay Area restaurant owner Desmond Tan has started a GoFundMe, pledging to match the first $10,000 raised for the Red Cross.
• 🆘 He is hearing about widespread damage and worries about suffering in areas not being supported due to the ongoing civil war.
• 💖 Jasmine Market owners report that the local Burmese community is working together to raise funds for relief to send to Myanmar.