Myanmar is reeling from the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake, with the death toll surpassing 1,000 as of Saturday. According to Al Jazeera, the 7.7-magnitude quake that struck on Friday has left at least 1,002 people dead and over 2,300 injured, while hundreds remain missing. Rescue teams are racing against time to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
Earlier reports had already confirmed significant casualties, but as emergency response efforts continue, the extent of the devastation is becoming clearer. Myanmar’s military government leader initially reported 144 fatalities, but the numbers have since skyrocketed.
The powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar, prompting the military government to declare a state of emergency across six regions. According to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s epicenter was located 16 kilometers (10 miles) northwest of Sagaing at a depth of 10 kilometers. The tremors were so intense that they were felt as far away as southwest China and Thailand.
Adding to the chaos, a secondary tremor measuring 6.4 in magnitude hit just minutes later, with its epicenter 18 kilometers (11.1 miles) south of Sagaing. The rapid succession of quakes has compounded the destruction, overwhelming local authorities and first responders.
The damage caused by the earthquake has been described as “enormous,” particularly in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. Local rescue teams report widespread structural collapses, and officials fear that the death toll may rise further as recovery efforts continue.
In the capital, Naypyidaw, major roads have buckled under the force of the quake, further hampering relief operations. Neighboring Thailand has also felt the impact—an unfinished high-rise in Bangkok collapsed due to the tremors, leaving at least 81 construction workers missing, according to Thailand's deputy prime minister.
Residents across the region remain on high alert as concerns about potential aftershocks grow. In Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, locals reported feeling the quake’s full force, with many now fearing further seismic activity.
“I was at home cooking when the tremor struck, and I panicked,” said Bui Thu, a journalist in Bangkok. “Buildings here aren’t designed to withstand earthquakes, so I’m really worried about the extent of the damage.”
Myanmar’s political instability has made it difficult to gather reliable information about the earthquake’s full impact. Since the military coup in 2021, the junta has maintained strict control over the media, limiting access to independent news sources. Frequent internet restrictions further complicate the flow of information, making it challenging for both journalists and humanitarian organizations to assess the situation accurately.
As Myanmar grapples with this devastating disaster, international aid organizations and neighboring countries are stepping up to offer assistance. However, the road to recovery remains uncertain, with the full scale of destruction yet to be determined.