A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, toppling buildings and leaving many feared dead in a region already grappling with civil war. The tremors were felt across Southeast Asia, rattling rural villages in Myanmar, towering skyscrapers in Bangkok, and even remote parts of China’s Yunnan province.
The earthquake’s impact was severe, particularly in Myanmar, where infrastructure is already weakened by years of conflict. While official casualty figures have yet to be confirmed, reports indicate deaths in both Myanmar and Thailand. Rescue teams in both countries are working against the clock to aid survivors, though the response efforts vary significantly due to stark differences in resources and governance.
Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest nations, has historically struggled with disaster response, further complicated by ongoing conflict between the military junta and resistance forces. In contrast, Thailand, a major tourist hub with well-equipped emergency services, has mobilized quickly.
Chaos and Destruction in Myanmar and Thailand
Videos circulating online capture scenes of panic as residents in both Myanmar and Thailand fled swaying high-rises, while traffic halted amid falling debris. Myanmar’s military authorities declared an emergency, urging blood donations for injured victims. The situation in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, remains critical, with multiple fatalities reported.
Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Thailand’s Prime Minister announced an emergency zone after an under-construction high-rise near Chatuchak Park collapsed, killing at least three people. Thai officials are racing to rescue 81 people trapped beneath the rubble, as concerns mount over structural damage to other high-rise buildings.
A Nation Already in Crisis
For Myanmar, the earthquake adds another layer of devastation to an already dire situation. The country has been engulfed in civil war since a 2021 military coup, which has displaced millions and severely strained healthcare services. Communication remains spotty in affected areas due to power outages and internet disruptions, making it difficult to assess the full scale of the damage.
Amnesty International has urged Myanmar’s junta to allow humanitarian aid groups to operate freely in the region, emphasizing that the disaster could not have come at a worse time. Tom Andrews, the United Nations special rapporteur for Myanmar, described the crisis as “a disaster on top of a disaster,” noting that over 20 million people were already in need of aid before the earthquake struck.
Epicenter in War-Torn Sagaing Region
The U.S. Geological Survey identified the epicenter in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, a battleground between junta forces and ethnic rebel groups. This rural area, primarily composed of wooden and thatched homes, has seen extensive destruction. Rebel-controlled zones and military checkpoints pose additional challenges to rescue and relief efforts.
Among the hardest-hit locations was Taungoo, south of the capital Naypyidaw, where three people reportedly died when a mosque partially collapsed. Further south, Yangon residents described intense shaking, with many rushing out of buildings as the quake lasted nearly a minute.
Dramatic footage obtained from Myanmar appears to show a major bridge over the Irrawaddy River crumbling into the water, sending plumes of dust into the air.
Aftershocks and Continuing Uncertainty
Multiple aftershocks, including one measuring 6.4 in magnitude, have followed the initial quake, raising fears of further destruction. Myanmar’s authorities have yet to release a comprehensive damage assessment, but the situation remains dire.
As rescue operations unfold, the international community watches closely, with aid organizations calling for swift action to assist those affected by this catastrophic event. The full extent of the disaster may take days to uncover, but for now, millions across Myanmar and Southeast Asia are left reeling from yet another humanitarian crisis.
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