MANDALAY, Myanmar (FNN) – The devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has now claimed the lives of more than 1,700 people, with emergency responders racing against time to find survivors in the rubble, according to the country’s military-led government.

Government spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun confirmed that the death toll has climbed to 1,700, with an additional 3,400 injured and more than 300 people still missing. The military initially reported 1,644 deaths, but Monday’s update revealed the toll has risen significantly as more bodies are recovered.

Widespread Destruction and Collapsed Buildings

The Myanmar 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused widespread destruction, affecting major cities such as Naypitaw and Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million. Reports indicate that many buildings, including mosques, homes, and infrastructure, have completely collapsed.

Tun Kyi, a member of the Spring Revolution Myanmar Muslim Network, stated that around 700 worshippers were killed when mosques collapsed during Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramadan. Reports also suggest that at least 60 mosques were either damaged or destroyed, with distressing footage circulating online showing structures crumbling as terrified civilians ran for safety.

Lauren Ellery, deputy director of programs in Myanmar for the International Rescue Committee, warned that the true scale of destruction remains unclear due to telecommunication outages and challenging conditions on the ground.

“We’re really not clear on the scale of the destruction at this stage,” Ellery told The Associated Press.
“Some areas near Mandalay reportedly saw 80% of buildings collapse, but due to damaged communication lines, these reports have been slow to emerge.”

Search and Rescue Operations Face Extreme Challenges

Myanmar’s military government has declared a state of emergency in six regions, deploying emergency teams to assist in rescue operations. However, a lack of heavy machinery and extreme heat—with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F)—have slowed efforts, forcing rescuers to search for survivors by hand.

In neighboring Thailand, at least 18 people were killed when a partially built high-rise in Bangkok collapsed. Another 33 people have been injured and 78 remain missing, primarily at the construction site near the Chatuchak market.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that rescue teams detected potential signs of life beneath the debris, though they have yet to confirm if it was an error in the detection equipment.

“Even if one life is saved, it is worth all the effort,” Chadchart said.

What’s Next?

• Continued search and rescue efforts are underway in Myanmar and Thailand.

• International aid organizations are assessing the situation and mobilizing resources.

• Myanmar’s military government is expected to provide further updates on casualties and damages.

• Humanitarian groups are calling for global assistance as the region struggles with medical emergencies, food shortages, and displacement.

WASHINGTON, DC (FNN) – American leadership is back in the Western Hemisphere, and we’re ready to stand with our regional partners. Putting America First means prioritizing relationships within our own hemisphere to ensure stability, security, and prosperity.

As part of this renewed focus, my first international trip as Secretary of State will take me to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic—nations that stand to benefit from stronger ties with the United States. For too long, American foreign policy has overlooked our closest neighbors while focusing on distant regions. That changes now.

A New Era of Regional Diplomacy

President Trump’s bold foreign policy begins at home, securing our borders and working with regional allies to control illegal migration. Diplomacy plays a key role in this effort. We must collaborate with nations across the Western Hemisphere to prevent further migrant flows and ensure the repatriation of those in the U.S. unlawfully. These discussions may be challenging, but they are absolutely necessary.

Beyond migration, our engagement will create economic opportunities that benefit both the U.S. and our regional allies. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of America’s reliance on global supply chains. By relocating critical industries closer to home, we can boost economic growth in our hemisphere while securing our own economic future.

A Stronger Hemisphere for a Stronger America

Our goal is to create a cycle of prosperity: stronger U.S. partnerships lead to more jobs and growth in the region, reducing incentives for illegal immigration. This economic stability provides governments with the resources to fight crime and invest in their own development, making them less susceptible to foreign influence.

Countries like China have sought to expand their influence in our region, making empty promises that fail to deliver real results. By strengthening our alliances, we can ensure that our neighbors build their futures alongside the United States, not under the influence of adversarial powers.

Confronting the Challenges of Mass Migration and Security Threats

Mass migration has created widespread instability. Drug cartels—now officially recognized as foreign terrorist organizations—have fueled violence and the fentanyl crisis across our communities. Additionally, illegitimate regimes in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are exploiting this chaos, while China exerts economic and diplomatic pressure, including at the Panama Canal.

Our approach is based on real, shared interests—not vague ideals or utopian promises. The U.S. will extend its hand to nations committed to genuine partnership, confident that together, we can achieve lasting stability and prosperity.

Building a More Secure and Prosperous Future

By reinforcing trade, security, and diplomatic cooperation, the U.S. and its regional partners will achieve mutual benefits. My mission as Secretary of State is clear: to make our alliances stronger, our borders more secure, and our economic future more resilient.

It is an extraordinary privilege to serve in this role, and I look forward to keeping you informed on the vital work being done by our incredible State Department team. America’s leadership in the Western Hemisphere is back—stronger than ever.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – President Donald J. Trump has announced a bold new tariff policy, imposing additional tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing an ongoing national emergency caused by illegal immigration and the fentanyl epidemic.

Under the new order, the United States will implement:

• A 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico
• A 10% tariff on all imports from China
• A reduced 10% tariff on energy resources from Canada

The move is part of a larger effort to hold these nations accountable for failing to stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the United States.

Addressing an Urgent National Crisis

The extraordinary threat posed by illegal immigration and drugs, particularly fentanyl, constitutes a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). President Trump’s decisive action aims to curb the supply of deadly fentanyl, which has devastated American communities.

• Chinese officials have failed to stop the flow of precursor chemicals used to produce fentanyl, enabling criminal cartels.
• Mexican drug cartels continue to manufacture and transport dangerous narcotics, while the Mexican government has turned a blind eye.
• Canada has seen a rise in Mexican cartel-linked fentanyl production, contributing to the international drug trade.

The administration’s orders make it clear: the flow of contraband drugs like fentanyl into the United States is a national security threat and a public health emergency.

Leveraging U.S. Economic Strength for Security

President Trump is using America’s economic power to secure the border and combat the fentanyl crisis. Previous administrations failed to use economic leverage effectively, allowing problems to fester.

• Access to the U.S. market is a privilege, not a right. The U.S. has one of the most open economies in the world, yet trade accounts for only 24% of U.S. GDP, compared to 67% of Canada’s, 73% of Mexico’s, and 37% of China’s.
• The U.S. trade deficit in goods exceeded $1 trillion in 2023, the largest in the world.
• Tariffs are a proven tool for protecting national interests and forcing compliance.

Despite years of inaction from previous leaders, President Trump is taking decisive action to put Americans’ safety and national security first.

President Trump Keeps His Promise to Secure the Border

President Trump was overwhelmingly elected to stop illegal immigration and secure the border—this is exactly what he is doing.

• The Biden administration has fueled the worst border crisis in U.S. history, with over 10 million illegal aliens attempting entry since 2021.
• A rising number of Chinese nationals and individuals on the terror watchlist have been apprehended at the border.
• Northern border crossings from Canada have surged, worsening the crisis.

The influx of illegal immigrants is straining America’s resources, overwhelming schools, hospitals, and housing, while increasing crime.

• Last fiscal year, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized over 21,000 pounds of fentanyl—enough to kill over 4 billion people.
• Officials estimate only a fraction of fentanyl smuggled across the southern border is actually seized.
• Fentanyl overdoses now kill more Americans annually than the entire Vietnam War.

Building on Past Success in Trade and Security

President Trump has a proven track record of using tariffs to protect American interests.

• In 2019, Trump successfully pressured Mexico into border security cooperation by threatening tariffs.
• He imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to protect U.S. industries.
• Trump’s tariffs on China helped curb intellectual property theft and unfair trade practices.
• Last week, he used tariffs to resolve national security concerns with Colombia.

President Trump remains committed to enforcing trade policies that prioritize American safety and prosperity. His new tariffs send a clear message: America will no longer tolerate inaction from Canada, Mexico, and China when it comes to illegal immigration and drug trafficking.