Death toll crosses 1,000 mark in Myanmar, Thailand earthquake; rescue ops underway

More than 1,000 people have died, and over 2,000 are injured after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, the ruling junta said in a statement on Saturday.

A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar near Sagaing on Friday afternoon, followed by a strong aftershock of 6.7 magnitude.

The quake caused widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, bridges, and roads. Heavy damage was reported in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city.

Meanwhile, around 10 people were killed in Bangkok. However, communication disruptions mean the actual toll could be much higher.

Widespread destruction

In Mandalay, a centuries-old Buddhist pagoda was reduced to rubble, and a monk was killed when a monastery collapsed. Many residents are afraid to sleep indoors, fearing further tremors.

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Mandalay Airport suffered damage, further complicating relief efforts in a country already struggling due to an ongoing civil war.

The junta declared a state of emergency in six affected regions and made a rare appeal for international aid.

India and China have already sent emergency supplies and rescue teams.

Impact in Bangkok

The earthquake also shook Bangkok, causing a 30-storey building under construction to collapse, killing at least 10 people. Rescuers are searching for up to 100 missing workers trapped under the rubble.

Over 2,000 reports of damage have been filed, and authorities are inspecting buildings for safety.

While the destruction in Bangkok was not widespread, dramatic scenes included rooftop swimming pools overflowing and hospitals evacuating patients. Some surgeries were even completed outdoors after hospitals were evacuated.

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Rescue and relief efforts continue as authorities assess the full scale of the disaster.

India sends aid to Myanmar

India has sent over 15 tonnes of relief supplies to Myanmar after the devastating earthquake.

The aid includes tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, hygiene kits, solar lamps, generators, and essential medicines like paracetamol, antibiotics, syringes, gloves, and bandages, news agency ANI reported.

The Indian Embassy in Myanmar is closely monitoring the situation and confirmed that no Indian nationals have been reported injured or killed in the 7.7-magnitude quake.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Thailand is also coordinating with local authorities after tremors were felt in Bangkok. No incidents involving Indian citizens have been reported there either. In case of emergency, Indian nationals in Thailand can contact the helpline at +66 618819218.