Yangon, Myanmar – A terrifying 7.7-magnitude earthquake has shattered Myanmar, leaving at least 1600 dead, 3500 injured, in a nightmarish disaster. Entire towns lie in rubble, bodies are still being pulled from the wreckage, and survivors are desperately searching for loved ones. The military government has declared a state of emergency as rescue efforts struggle against the devastation and ongoing civil conflict.
With aftershocks still striking, fear grips the nation—how many more lives will be lost? The world watches in horror as Myanmar faces its darkest hour.
Epicenter and Initial Impact
The earthquake occurred at approximately 12:50 PM local time, with its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers, making it a shallow but highly destructive event.
Residents in Mandalay reported severe shaking, with many rushing out of buildings in fear. Power outages and communication disruptions were reported in several regions. Early estimates indicate extensive structural damage, particularly in older buildings and religious structures.
Destruction and Casualties in Myanmar
Myanmar bore the brunt of the earthquake, with numerous buildings collapsing in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Bago regions.
- A mosque in Mandalay crumbled, resulting in at least 10 confirmed fatalities.
- A school in Taungoo, which had been housing displaced families, collapsed, trapping over 20 people.
- The historic Ava Bridge in Sagaing suffered structural damage, disrupting transportation.
The Myanmar government, currently led by the military junta, has declared a state of emergency in six regions: Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, eastern Shan State, and Naypyidaw. The authorities have issued urgent appeals for international humanitarian assistance.
Thailand and Other Affected Areas
The tremors extended as far as Bangkok, Thailand, nearly 800 miles from the epicenter. The shaking was strong enough to cause a 30-story government office under construction in the Chatuchak district to collapse, trapping at least 43 workers. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok, as rescue teams work tirelessly to extract those trapped under debris.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand suspended trading for several hours due to safety concerns, while Bangkok’s metro and light rail systems experienced temporary shutdowns due to structural inspections.
Tremors in China and India
- In China’s Yunnan province, residents in the border city of Ruili felt strong tremors. Reports of injuries and minor structural damage have emerged, though officials are still assessing the full extent of the impact.
- Other provinces, including Guizhou, Guangxi, and Sichuan, also experienced mild tremors, but no significant damage has been reported.
- In India, the tremors were felt as far as the Delhi-National Capital Region at around 11:50 AM IST, leading to evacuations from high-rise buildings as a precautionary measure.
Ongoing Response and Relief Efforts
Rescue operations are underway in Myanmar and Thailand, with emergency teams working to reach those trapped under collapsed structures. Hospitals in affected areas are on high alert, treating injuries ranging from minor cuts to severe trauma. Humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross and UN agencies, have begun coordinating relief efforts.
The international community has expressed solidarity with Myanmar, with neighboring countries offering emergency aid. The ASEAN Disaster Management Unit has announced plans to dispatch rescue teams and essential supplies.
The full extent of the devastation is still unfolding, with aftershocks expected in the coming days. Authorities in Myanmar and Thailand have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols. This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity and the urgent need for disaster preparedness measures.
More updates will follow as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
Update: 43 Workers Missing in Bangkok Skyscraper Collapse
Following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, additional details have emerged regarding the collapse of a 30-story skyscraper under construction in Bangkok. Reports confirm that seven construction workers managed to escape before the structure gave way, while 43 remain missing. Rescue teams, including Thailand’s Disaster Response Unit and military personnel, are using sniffer dogs, drones, and thermal imaging to locate survivors. Authorities warn that the risk of aftershocks poses a serious threat to ongoing rescue efforts, and they are urging nearby residents to remain on high alert.
Children trapped in school in central Myanmar
More than 20 children are reported to be trapped in a school in the city of Taungoo, in central Myanmar, after the building collapsed.
Charitable organisations are trying to rescue the trapped children, according to the Yangon Times, a Myanmar newspaper, which said that the Welu Wan school had been sheltering displaced people.
Widespread Damage to Myanmar’s Historic Buildings
Further reports near the earthquake’s epicentre in Mandalay, which once served as Myanmar’s royal capital, suggest widespread damage to historic buildings.
The Mandalay National Museum and the old royal palace walls are among the affected structures, according to the Yangon Times. Footage circulating on social media shows heartbreaking devastation to Mandalay Palace, an iconic site built in the 19th century by Myanmar’s royal family. The beloved Shwe Sar Yan Pagoda, a Buddhist site dating back to the 11th century, has also sustained severe damage.
For many in Myanmar, these landmarks are not just historical sites but deeply cherished symbols of national identity and heritage. The destruction of these irreplaceable treasures has added to the collective grief of a nation already reeling from the earthquake’s deadly impact.
More updates will follow as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
Rescuers, including police and medics, are utilizing drones and rescue dogs to search for survivors in the collapsed building. The Thai Prime Minister has declared the capital an emergency zone, mobilizing emergency services for rescue operations.
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