Massive Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Thailand, Hundreds Feared Dead

Powerful 7.7 Earthquake Strikes Myanmar & Thailand, Causing Widespread Devastation

A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The tremor, which occurred near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, also had a severe impact on neighboring Thailand, where multiple casualties and infrastructural damage were reported. The death toll, currently estimated to be over 140 in Myanmar and six in Thailand, is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

Myanmar Faces Heavy Destruction and Casualties

Myanmar, a nation already struggling with internal conflict, experienced severe devastation due to the earthquake. Buildings collapsed in Mandalay and Naypyidaw, leaving hundreds trapped under the rubble. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar’s military government, confirmed that at least 144 people have died, and 730 others sustained injuries. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, but the true scale of the disaster remains uncertain.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the earthquake was in an active seismic zone, making Myanmar vulnerable to such disasters. However, the extent of damage is particularly severe this time, with experts estimating that fatalities could exceed 1,000. A strong aftershock measuring 6.4 in magnitude further worsened the situation, making rescue efforts even more challenging.

Thailand Hit Hard: Building Collapses in Bangkok

In Bangkok, Thailand, the earthquake led to the tragic collapse of a 33-story high-rise under construction, killing six people and injuring at least 22 others. Initially, the authorities reported 10 fatalities, but the count was revised as several critically injured individuals were found to be alive. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt expressed hope that more survivors might still be rescued from the debris.

Witnesses in Bangkok described scenes of panic as the quake shook buildings, with office workers fleeing down staircases and traffic coming to a halt. The city, which rarely experiences such strong seismic activity, was caught off guard by the intensity of the tremors.

International Aid and Rescue Operations Underway

In response to the disaster, Myanmar’s government has appealed for humanitarian aid, recognizing the urgent need for medical supplies and rescue assistance. International support has started pouring in:

• China: A team from Yunnan province arrived in Yangon with earthquake detectors, drones, and emergency supplies.

• Russia: Sent two planes carrying 120 rescue personnel and essential relief materials.

• India: Dispatched a search and rescue team along with medical personnel, food supplies, and shelter essentials.

• Malaysia: Announced that a team of 50 relief workers would be deployed to assist with aid distribution and victim identification.

• United Nations: Allocated $5 million for immediate relief efforts.

Concerns remain regarding how aid will reach the most affected areas, given the ongoing civil unrest in Myanmar. According to Mohammed Riyas, Director of the International Rescue Committee’s Myanmar division, it may take weeks to fully assess the damage and casualties.

Major Infrastructure Damage in Myanmar

The earthquake caused extensive destruction, with reports of multiple bridges collapsing and roads cracking open. Myanmar’s state newspaper, Global New Light of Myanmar, reported that a major highway between Mandalay and Yangon had been severely affected. Video footage circulating online showed a monastery in Mandalay collapsing, with monks narrowly escaping harm. In Naypyidaw, emergency responders were seen pulling victims from the rubble of government buildings.

Adding to the devastation, a dam reportedly burst in one of the affected cities, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. This has raised concerns about secondary disasters such as water contamination and displacement of thousands of residents.

Eyewitness Accounts and Public Panic

Residents of Yangon described scenes of chaos as people rushed out of their homes in fear. In Bangkok, a Scottish tourist, Fraser Morton, recounted how an entire shopping mall shook violently, causing panic among shoppers. Another tourist, Paul Vincent from England, witnessed a high-rise swaying as water from a rooftop pool cascaded down the sides of the building.

A lawyer working in Bangkok, Voranoot Thirawat, described how she saw office lights swinging before realizing that the building was shaking. "We ran down 12 flights of stairs as fast as we could," she said, emphasizing that such an earthquake was unprecedented in her lifetime.

Impact in China and Regional Concerns

The earthquake was also felt in China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, where reports emerged of structural damage and injuries. In the city of Ruili, which borders Myanmar, residents described intense shaking that made it impossible to stand.

Seismologists noted that the shallow depth of the earthquake—only 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) below the surface—contributed to its destructive force. Shallower quakes generally cause more damage compared to deeper ones.

Uncertainty Surrounding the Future

This disaster has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar. The country has been in turmoil since the military coup of 2021, with millions displaced due to ongoing conflict. The UN estimates that nearly 20 million people in Myanmar are in need of assistance.

The full scale of this catastrophe is yet to unfold, but one thing is certain—both Myanmar and Thailand face an uphill battle in recovery and rebuilding. The international community’s response in the coming days will be crucial in helping these nations recover from this massive tragedy.