A catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, leaving behind a trail of destruction that experts are calling the worst natural disaster in Asia in a century. The quake, centered in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, has caused widespread devastation, toppling buildings, crippling infrastructure, and claiming thousands of lives.
A Rising Death Toll Amidst Destruction
Rescue efforts are underway as officials warn that casualties could continue to rise. As of the latest reports, at least 1,644 people have been confirmed dead in Myanmar, with over 3,400 injured and 130 still missing. In Bangkok, at least 18 people were killed, including 11 who died in the collapse of an under-construction skyscraper in the Chatuchak area. Authorities report that dozens remain trapped beneath the rubble.
The Worst Disaster in 100 Years
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has described the earthquake as “a level of devastation that hasn’t been seen in Asia for over a century.” Acting head Marie Manrique warned that the disaster’s impact will be felt for weeks, if not months, as Myanmar struggles with widespread destruction.
“This is not just a disaster; it is a complex humanitarian crisis layered over existing vulnerabilities,” said IFRC regional director Alexander Matheou. Myanmar was already facing political instability, internal displacement, and food insecurity, and now, the earthquake has worsened an already fragile situation.
A Nation in Crisis
Beyond the immediate loss of life, critical infrastructure across Myanmar has been severely damaged. Airports in Mandalay and Naypyidaw remain closed due to safety concerns, and telecommunications blackouts are hampering rescue coordination. The IFRC has launched an emergency appeal, urging global solidarity to help Myanmar recover from this historic catastrophe.
Relentless Aftershocks and a Race Against Time
Since Friday’s initial quake, a 5.1 magnitude aftershock has shaken Myanmar, compounding fears of further collapses. Another 4.2 magnitude tremor struck near Shwebo, about 68 miles northwest of Mandalay.
Rescue workers are racing against time to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble, but the scale of destruction has made operations perilous. The global community watches in horror as Myanmar and Thailand grapple with the deadliest earthquake the region has seen in a century.
With thousands displaced and infrastructure in ruins, the road to recovery will be long and arduous. For now, every second counts as rescuers fight to save lives in the aftermath of this devastating disaster.
Keep up with the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake recovery with us on Que Onda Magazine.