Massive 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Death Toll Rises as Rescue Efforts Continue
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation and leading to significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. The earthquake, with its epicenter 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing at a depth of 10 kilometers, triggered strong tremors that were felt across Myanmar, Thailand, India, China, and Bangladesh. Reports indicate that at least 144 people have lost their lives, with over 700 injured. Authorities fear that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue. Myanmar’s ruling junta has declared a state of emergency across six regions and has made a rare appeal for foreign aid to assist in relief efforts.
The massive earthquake led to the collapse of multiple buildings in Mandalay, including the historic Ma Soe Yane monastery. A widely circulated video on social media captured monks in the street filming the multistory monastery moments before it crumbled to the ground. The earthquake also damaged key infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and high-rise buildings. The collapse of a railway bridge and a road bridge on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway has further complicated relief efforts. The Red Cross has raised concerns about the structural integrity of large dams in the region, warning of potential further damage.
In Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, a major hospital has been overwhelmed with injured victims, with reports of at least 20 deaths at the facility. Medical staff are struggling to manage the crisis, with rows of wounded individuals receiving treatment outside the emergency department. The junta has called for donations of blood and medical supplies, as hospitals across the affected regions struggle to accommodate the influx of patients.
The earthquake’s tremors extended beyond Myanmar, shaking Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, where panic ensued as alarms went off and people fled buildings. Several high-rise buildings in Bangkok sustained damage, and a 30-storey under-construction tower collapsed, resulting in at least three fatalities and leaving dozens trapped under the rubble. Authorities have confirmed that 43 construction workers are missing, with ongoing rescue efforts underway. Thailand’s transport ministry has suspended public transportation services, including buses and electric trains, due to the earthquake’s impact on infrastructure. The country’s telecommunication system has also suffered disruptions, adding to the chaos.
Tremors were felt as far as India, with cities such as Kolkata and Imphal experiencing mild shaking. Bangladesh also recorded significant tremors in Dhaka and Chattogram, though no casualties have been reported. Meanwhile, China’s Yunnan province reported feeling the quake, with Beijing’s quake agency recording it as a 7.9-magnitude seismic event.
The disaster has prompted international responses, with Pope Francis offering prayers for the victims and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assuring assistance to both Myanmar and Thailand. Modi stated that Indian authorities are on standby to provide aid, and the Indian Embassy in Bangkok has issued an emergency helpline for Indian nationals in Thailand.
Adding to concerns, a strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region just 12 minutes after the initial earthquake, causing further destruction and complicating rescue efforts. Witnesses in Bangkok described scenes of panic, with people screaming and running down escalators in malls as buildings swayed violently.
Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing has been seen visiting hospitals to assess the situation. In a rare move, the junta has called on the international community for humanitarian aid, signaling the severity of the crisis. Emergency responders continue to search through the rubble, with hopes of finding survivors diminishing as time passes.
As rescue efforts continue, authorities warn of potential aftershocks that could further impact already fragile structures. The full scale of the damage is still being assessed, with relief teams working tirelessly to provide aid to affected regions.
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