BANGKOK: A powerful earthquake rocked Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand on Friday, destroying buildings, a bridge and a dam. At least 144 people were killed and 730 injured in Myanmar, where photos and video from two hard-hit cities showed extensive damage.
The 7.7 magnitude quake, with an epicentre near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city, struck at midday and was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock.
The full extent of death, injury and destruction was not immediately clear — particularly in Myanmar, one of the world’s poorest countries. It is embroiled in a civil war and information is tightly controlled.
The head of Myanmar’s military government said in the televised speech on Friday evening that at least 144 people were killed and 730 others were injured.
“The death toll and injuries are expected to rise,” Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing said.
Photos from the capital of Naypyidaw showed multiple buildings used to house civil servants destroyed by the quake, and rescue crews pulling victims from the rubble.
Myanmar’s government said blood was in high demand in the hardest-hit areas.
Images of buckled and cracked roads in Mandalay and damaged highways as well as the collapse of a bridge and dam raised further concerns about how rescuers would even reach some areas in a country already enduring a widespread humanitarian crisis.
The earthquake, which hit northwest of Sagaing at a depth of 10 km, sent tremors across Myanmar, Thailand, northeast India, and parts of China.
The shaking was so intense that metro and rail services were temporarily suspended in Bangkok, causing widespread panic among residents.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has called for an urgent crisis meeting and declared a state of emergency in the capital.
The situation in Myanmar remains dire, with reports of collapsed buildings and damaged infrastructure, particularly in the Mandalay region. Roads between Mandalay and Yangon have also suffered severe damage, hampering relief efforts.
Shocking footage from the affected areas shows buildings crumbling and terrified residents fleeing to safety. In Laos, residents of high-rise buildings in Vientiane experienced intense swaying, adding to the chaos.
Rescue teams in Myanmar have launched extensive operations to search for survivors, with emergency workers tirelessly combing through debris. A state of emergency has been declared, and an international appeal for aid has been issued to assist in relief and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured Myanmar and Thailand of India’s full support, stating, “Concerned by the situation in the wake of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand.”
Authorities in Myanmar have launched large-scale rescue operations, with emergency teams working tirelessly to find survivors and assist those trapped in their homes.
7.7 quake jolts Myanmar, Thailand; 114 dead
