The State Administration Council (SAC) has declared a seven-day national mourning period from March 31 to April 6 in honor of the victims of the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 at 12:51 PM local time.

The 7.7-magnitude quake caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction. In a statement, the SAC expressed deep condolences and solidarity with the affected communities, announcing that the national flag will be flown at half-mast during this mourning period.