A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar near Sagaing on Friday afternoon, killing over 1,000 people and injuring more than 2,000, according to a statement by the ruling junta on Saturday. The quake also triggered a powerful 6.7-magnitude aftershock, worsening the destruction.
Widespread Devastation in Myanmar
The earthquake caused severe damage across multiple regions, collapsing buildings, bridges, and roads. Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, reported heavy destruction. A centuries-old Buddhist pagoda crumbled, and a monk lost his life when a monastery collapsed. Many residents are now sleeping outdoors, fearing aftershocks.
Mandalay Airport also sustained structural damage, disrupting relief operations in a country already struggling due to an ongoing civil war. The military junta has declared a state of emergency in six affected regions and made a rare appeal for international aid.
Impact in Bangkok
The earthquake’s tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, where a 30-story building under construction collapsed, killing at least 10 people. Rescuers are still searching for nearly 100 missing workers trapped beneath the debris. Authorities have received over 2,000 reports of structural damage, and engineers are inspecting buildings for safety.
Though Bangkok did not suffer widespread devastation, several high-rise buildings swayed, rooftop swimming pools overflowed, and hospitals evacuated patients. Some surgeries were even performed outdoors due to emergency evacuations.
India and China Send Aid to Myanmar
India has dispatched over 15 tonnes of relief supplies, including tents, sleeping bags, blankets, water purifiers, hygiene kits, solar lamps, generators, and essential medicines like paracetamol, antibiotics, syringes, gloves, and bandages.
The Indian Embassy in Myanmar is monitoring the situation and confirmed that no Indian nationals have been reported injured or killed in the disaster. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Thailand is coordinating with local authorities to assist Indian citizens, though no casualties have been reported in Bangkok. Indian nationals in Thailand requiring emergency assistance can contact the helpline at +66 618819218.
Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing as authorities work to assess the full extent of the devastation and provide aid to affected communities.
