At least 144 people have been killed and hundreds injured after a powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, according to local government officials. The quake hit near the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
Rescue teams and volunteers are racing against time to search for survivors trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. The earthquake has left thousands homeless, with many seeking shelter in makeshift camps.
In neighboring Thailand, tremors from the quake led to the collapse of an unfinished high-rise building in Bangkok, claiming eight lives on Friday. Search efforts continue for over 110 people who remain unaccounted for, as authorities fear the death toll may rise.
The impact was also felt in southwest China’s Yunnan Province. In Ruili City, two people were injured and more than 1,700 residents were affected by the quake. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that no deaths have been reported among Chinese nationals in Myanmar. Authorities in the Chinese mainland are closely monitoring the situation and have offered assistance to the affected areas.
The United Nations has allocated an emergency fund of $5 million to Myanmar for earthquake aid. UN officials are assessing additional needs and coordinating the international response to support rescue and relief efforts.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Myanmar during this difficult time,” said a UN spokesperson. “We are committed to providing necessary support to help them recover from this tragic event.”
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but initial reports indicate significant infrastructure destruction, including roads, bridges, and hospitals. The international community is stepping in to provide aid as Myanmar copes with one of the deadliest earthquakes in recent history.
