5 Precautions For Kenyans in Myanmar, Thailand After Earthquake Kills 1700
This advisory comes as rescuers are frantically searching for survivors more than three days after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar
Marvin Chege 
The government of Kenya, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, has issued five precautions to Kenyans living in Myanmar and the Kingdom of Thailand. This comes in the wake of a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and extended into Thailand.
In a statement released on Monday, March 31, Diaspora Principal Secretary (PS) Roseline Njogu noted that the Kenyan government had expressed deep concern for its citizens and citizens of the two countries following the recent powerful earthquake.
"We stand in solidarity with all those affected by this disaster. To ensure safety, all Kenyans in the affected regions are advised to take the following precautions," the PS stated in part.
Diaspora PS Roseline Njogu while meeting 350 young farmers leaving for the UK under the 'Mkulima Majuu' program on August 10, 2024. /ROSELINE NJOGU
Njogu first and foremost urged Kenyans in the two countries to stay alert and monitor updates through keeping track of local news and official alerts for real-time information on aftershocks and emergency measures.
Furthermore, Kenyans were advised to avoid unnecessary travel to heavily impacted areas to ensure Personal Safety. "If in a damaged or unstable building, move to a safe, open area if possible; Be vigilant about falling debris, landslides, or damaged infrastructure," added the statement.
The PS also advised them to register with the Kenyan Embassy. For those who haven't registered yet, they have been asked to provide their contact details to the Kenya Embassy in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand or the nearest East African Community diplomatic mission for assistance and updates.
N.B.: Contact: Hotline: +66990745752 Email: bangkok@mfa.go.ke
Further, PS Njogu called on Kenyans in Thailand and Myanmar to follow local authorities' instructions and adhere strictly to evacuation orders, shelter advisories, and safety guidelines issued by local disaster management agencies.
"Check on Fellow Kenyans- Reach out to other Kenyans in your area, especially students, diaspora workers, and vulnerable individuals, to ensure their well-being," PS Njogu further advised.
"We continue to closely monitor the situation, and urge all citizens to please remain safe and maintain communication with the authorities."
This advisory comes as rescuers are frantically searching for survivors more than three days after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing buildings to collapse as far away as Bangkok and sending tremors through nearby Chinese provinces.
The first 72 hours following an earthquake have been considered the critical “golden” window for reaching victims trapped beneath the debris—after this period, survival chances decrease significantly without access to water.
Authorities report that at least 1,700 people have been confirmed dead in Myanmar after the country’s most powerful earthquake in over a century. However, experts warn that the true death toll may take weeks to fully determine.
Extensive damage has been reported after the earthquake caused buildings and bridges to collapse, including in Bangkok, where authorities are working to rescue dozens feared trapped beneath the rubble of a high-rise under construction.
The quake’s epicenter was in Myanmar’s central Sagaing region, near Mandalay, the former royal capital with a population of about 1.5 million. The area is also home to numerous historic temples and palaces. Local officials say those at the epicenter are largely isolated after a key bridge over the Irrawaddy River collapsed.
Meanwhile, foreign aid and international rescue teams have begun arriving in Myanmar after the military junta made a rare appeal for assistance.
Friday’s earthquake was the most devastating natural disaster to strike Myanmar in years, hitting a country already grappling with a civil war since 2021. The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted communication networks, strained the healthcare system, and left millions without sufficient food and shelter.
Chinese rescue team members, in blue, search for victims trapped in the rubble of a damaged temple in Mandalay on Saturday, March 29, 2025. /CNN
