Yangon: At least 694 people have been confirmed dead, with 1,670 injured and 68 still missing after two powerful earthquakes struck Myanmar. The destructive quakes, which occurred on Friday, were centered in the Sagaing region, causing significant devastation and prompting international rescue and aid efforts.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Myanmar junta's State Administration Council reported the updated casualty figures through Chinese state media. The international community is ramping up aid and rescue operations as both Myanmar and neighboring Thailand work to address the aftermath of the quakes. The initial earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.7, causing widespread damage and loss of life.

In other developments, a U.S. federal judge has intervened to halt the deportation of a Tufts University doctoral student. Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish national, will remain in the United States pending a ruling on her habeas corpus petition. Judge Denise Casper's decision temporarily blocks Ozturk's removal, citing federal precedents that allow for the suspension of deportations to maintain the status quo while jurisdiction is determined. The court has set a deadline of April 1 to resolve the legal dispute.

Meanwhile, South Korea is battling the resurgence of wildfires in its southeastern regions. Anadolu Agency reports that firefighting helicopters have been redeployed following renewed outbreaks of fire in North Gyeongsang Province. The Korea Forest Service had previously declared the fires under control but has now mobilized additional resources after smoke was reported late Friday night. The situation remains dynamic, with thousands of residents affected by the ongoing fire threat.