A strong 7.7-magnitude quake hit Myanmar’s central region, killing at least 144 and injuring 732, the nation’s military ruler, Min Aung Hlaing, said. The leader of the junta threatened that the number of dead would likely increase and called for a rare international aid plea, urging “any country, any organization” to help with relief.
The earthquake struck at 1:20 PM local time with a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), and its epicenter was a mere 17.2 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The quake resulted in massive destruction, felling buildings and compelling hospitals within the capital city, Naypyidaw, to treat outdoor patients due to building damage. Casualties are reported in Mandalay, together with the towns of Toungoo and Aungban.
The effect spilled over Myanmar’s borders, leveling neighboring Thailand. In the capital city of Bangkok, a half-built skyscraper collapsed, killing three and leaving at least 81 trapped under the debris. Rescue crews are racing to find survivors.
Although the extent of destruction in Myanmar is unclear, initial video evidence on social media indicates buildings fell down and vast amounts of damage occurred in central areas. The tragedy has heightened a sensitive situation in the country, which has a military-led government, as government officials battle to organize relief efforts.
