The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand has exceeded 1,000, as emergency teams work tirelessly to locate survivors trapped beneath the wreckage of collapsed structures.
The 7.7-magnitude quake, which struck northwest of Sagaing in central Myanmar on Saturday afternoon, was followed by a strong aftershock measuring 6.7.
The disaster caused extensive destruction, toppling buildings, damaging roads, and bringing down bridges, particularly in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of over 1.7 million.
Myanmar’s ruling military government confirmed that at least 1,002 people had lost their lives, with nearly 2,400 others injured. Meanwhile, at least 10 fatalities were reported in Bangkok, Thailand.
The full extent of the catastrophe remains unclear due to disrupted communication networks, and authorities expect the death toll to climb further.
Geologists have described this as Myanmar’s most powerful earthquake in decades. The tremors were so intense that structures in Bangkok, hundreds of kilometres away, sustained significant damage.
In Mandalay, journalists witnessed the ruins of a centuries-old Buddhist pagoda.
A soldier stationed near the site recounted the harrowing moment: “It started shaking, then it got worse.
The monastery collapsed, and a monk died. Some people were injured—we pulled out as many as we could and took them to the hospital.” The main Buddha statue inside the monastery was also severely damaged.
Fearing further tremors, many residents opted to sleep outdoors. “No one dares to stay inside after what happened,” the soldier added.
The earthquake also caused structural damage to Mandalay’s international airport, complicating relief operations in a country already struggling with a fragile healthcare system and a prolonged civil war that began after the military coup in 2021.
Myanmar’s Junta Seeks Foreign Aid
In an unusual move, Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, formally requested international assistance—a rare appeal from a junta that has historically rejected foreign aid, even in the wake of major disasters.
A state of emergency has been declared in six of the hardest-hit regions. In Naypyidaw, the capital, medical staff had to treat victims outdoors due to damage to hospital buildings.
Several nations have pledged support. Former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed American assistance, stating, “It’s a terrible situation, and we will be helping.”
An Indian relief flight carrying essential supplies, including blankets, food, and hygiene kits, arrived in Yangon on Saturday. Meanwhile, China has dispatched an 82-person rescue team.
Humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about Myanmar’s preparedness for such a crisis.
Even before the quake, an estimated 3.5 million people had been displaced by the country’s ongoing conflict, with many already facing severe food shortages.
Bangkok Skyscraper Collapse
Across the border in Bangkok, the earthquake’s impact was also severe. A 30-story building under construction crumbled within seconds, trapping numerous workers under debris.
Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, reported that around 10 people had died in the city, with the majority of fatalities occurring at the collapsed site.
However, as many as 100 workers remain missing. Authorities are deploying thermal imaging drones to locate potential survivors, with signals detected from at least 15 individuals.
Emergency response teams have been inundated with reports of structural damage, prompting officials to dispatch over 100 engineers to inspect buildings for safety.
Due to instability, approximately 400 people were forced to sleep outdoors in public parks.
Although widespread destruction was avoided in Bangkok, dramatic scenes unfolded as rooftop swimming pools overflowed, sending torrents of water cascading down the sides of high-rise buildings.
Some hospitals were evacuated, with one woman giving birth outside after being moved from the facility. A surgeon was also forced to complete an operation in an outdoor area.
Authorities continue to assess the full impact of the disaster, with search-and-rescue efforts underway in both Myanmar and Thailand.