Washington: The United States expressed condolences to Myanmar on Friday over the loss of life and damage caused by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck near its border with Laos and Thailand.
Myanmar state television said 74 people were killed and 114 injured in the quake, which levelled hundreds of homes in towns and villages near the epicentre.
“On behalf of President (Barack) Obama and the people of the United States, I offer our sincere condolences for the loss of life and damage caused by the earthquake in Burma, near the borders with Thailand and Laos,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, using the former name of Myanmar.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy,” she said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, March 26, 2011, 11:59