Massive Earthquake in Myanmar Leaves Over 1,600 Dead, Rescue Operations Underway
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and fatalities, with significant aftershocks impacting the region.
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar on Friday, resulting in at least 1,644 confirmed deaths and 3,408 injuries, according to government reports.
The incident occurred at approximately 06:20 GMT (12:50 local time) near Sagaing in the central part of the country, followed shortly by an aftershock that was initially reported at magnitude 6.4 but later revised to 6.7.
The earthquake's shallow depth has exacerbated its impact, with scenes of chaos and destruction observed particularly in Mandalay, the second-largest city, which is regarded as the most severely affected area.
The destruction includes the collapse of homes, buildings, bridges, and religious sites, raising concerns about the scale of the disaster in a country already ravaged by a civil conflict since the military coup in 2021.
Geologists noted that this is the most significant earthquake to hit Myanmar in decades, with tremors felt as far as 1,000 kilometers away in Bangkok, Thailand, a region that rarely experiences such seismic activity.
Reports indicate that, in Mandalay, over 90 individuals are feared trapped under the rubble of a twelve-story residential building.
Among those rescued is Phyu Lay Khaing, who was saved from her building, known as Sky Villa, nearly 30 hours after the earthquake.
The emotional scenes included her being embraced by her husband before being transported to a hospital.
Additionally, a centuries-old pagoda has been reduced to ruins, with witnesses describing the fear and uncertainty in the aftermath.
"It started to shake, then it became serious.
The monastery collapsed," recounted a soldier stationed near the temple.
From the ruins, several individuals have been evacuated, some requiring urgent medical attention.
In the vicinity of Mandalay's airport, security personnel restricted media access, citing ongoing dangers.
The destruction across the region complicates rescue operations in a country beset by ongoing civil unrest, which has severely weakened its healthcare system and isolated its leaders internationally.
Min Aung Hlaing, head of the ruling junta, has issued a rare appeal for international aid, welcoming assistance from any country or organization, a marked shift from the prior reluctance of military leaders to seek external support.
The junta has declared a state of emergency in the six regions most affected.
In Naypyidaw, Myanmar's capital, hundreds of injured individuals were treated outdoors due to damage sustained by medical facilities.
International responses have begun, with China dispatching 82 rescuers along with a commitment of $13.8 million in emergency humanitarian assistance.
An Indian aircraft carrying hygiene kits, blankets, food, and other essentials has landed in Yangon.
Additional responses have also been announced from South Korea, Malaysia, and the World Health Organization.
Amidst the disaster, statements of condolence and support have emerged from global leaders, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
The humanitarian agencies caution that Myanmar remains ill-equipped to handle a disaster of this magnitude, compounded by the ongoing conflict which has displaced approximately 3.5 million people.
The United Nations has warned that 15 million citizens may face hunger in 2025, prior to the earthquake.
In Thailand, rescue teams scoured debris through the night after a 30-story construction site in Bangkok collapsed during the earthquake.
Official reports confirm at least eight deaths on-site, with eight individuals rescued, while 79 others remain unaccounted for.
Drones equipped with thermal imaging have detected signs of life among the rubble, indicating that there may still be survivors trapped.
Bangkok authorities have mobilized over a hundred specialists to evaluate building safety following more than 2,000 damage reports.
Approximately 400 residents opted to spend the night in public parks, as their homes were deemed unsafe.
The earthquake, while rare in the region, triggered widespread evacuations, with many fleeing to open areas, including rooftops and balconies.
In an unusual incident, a woman gave birth outdoors after being evacuated from a medical facility, while a surgeon continued to operate on a patient in the open due to the urgent need for care as the situation unfolded.
The incident occurred at approximately 06:20 GMT (12:50 local time) near Sagaing in the central part of the country, followed shortly by an aftershock that was initially reported at magnitude 6.4 but later revised to 6.7.
The earthquake's shallow depth has exacerbated its impact, with scenes of chaos and destruction observed particularly in Mandalay, the second-largest city, which is regarded as the most severely affected area.
The destruction includes the collapse of homes, buildings, bridges, and religious sites, raising concerns about the scale of the disaster in a country already ravaged by a civil conflict since the military coup in 2021.
Geologists noted that this is the most significant earthquake to hit Myanmar in decades, with tremors felt as far as 1,000 kilometers away in Bangkok, Thailand, a region that rarely experiences such seismic activity.
Reports indicate that, in Mandalay, over 90 individuals are feared trapped under the rubble of a twelve-story residential building.
Among those rescued is Phyu Lay Khaing, who was saved from her building, known as Sky Villa, nearly 30 hours after the earthquake.
The emotional scenes included her being embraced by her husband before being transported to a hospital.
Additionally, a centuries-old pagoda has been reduced to ruins, with witnesses describing the fear and uncertainty in the aftermath.
"It started to shake, then it became serious.
The monastery collapsed," recounted a soldier stationed near the temple.
From the ruins, several individuals have been evacuated, some requiring urgent medical attention.
In the vicinity of Mandalay's airport, security personnel restricted media access, citing ongoing dangers.
The destruction across the region complicates rescue operations in a country beset by ongoing civil unrest, which has severely weakened its healthcare system and isolated its leaders internationally.
Min Aung Hlaing, head of the ruling junta, has issued a rare appeal for international aid, welcoming assistance from any country or organization, a marked shift from the prior reluctance of military leaders to seek external support.
The junta has declared a state of emergency in the six regions most affected.
In Naypyidaw, Myanmar's capital, hundreds of injured individuals were treated outdoors due to damage sustained by medical facilities.
International responses have begun, with China dispatching 82 rescuers along with a commitment of $13.8 million in emergency humanitarian assistance.
An Indian aircraft carrying hygiene kits, blankets, food, and other essentials has landed in Yangon.
Additional responses have also been announced from South Korea, Malaysia, and the World Health Organization.
Amidst the disaster, statements of condolence and support have emerged from global leaders, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
The humanitarian agencies caution that Myanmar remains ill-equipped to handle a disaster of this magnitude, compounded by the ongoing conflict which has displaced approximately 3.5 million people.
The United Nations has warned that 15 million citizens may face hunger in 2025, prior to the earthquake.
In Thailand, rescue teams scoured debris through the night after a 30-story construction site in Bangkok collapsed during the earthquake.
Official reports confirm at least eight deaths on-site, with eight individuals rescued, while 79 others remain unaccounted for.
Drones equipped with thermal imaging have detected signs of life among the rubble, indicating that there may still be survivors trapped.
Bangkok authorities have mobilized over a hundred specialists to evaluate building safety following more than 2,000 damage reports.
Approximately 400 residents opted to spend the night in public parks, as their homes were deemed unsafe.
The earthquake, while rare in the region, triggered widespread evacuations, with many fleeing to open areas, including rooftops and balconies.
In an unusual incident, a woman gave birth outdoors after being evacuated from a medical facility, while a surgeon continued to operate on a patient in the open due to the urgent need for care as the situation unfolded.
