Massive Earthquake in Myanmar Kills Over 1,000, Global Aid Efforts Mobilized
A devastating magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar’s Mandalay region on Friday, killing at least 1,002 people, injuring over 2,300, and leaving 30 missing, according to the Information Team of Myanmar’s State Administration Council.
The powerful quake toppled buildings and caused widespread infrastructure damage. Much of the devastation occurred in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, which lies near the epicenter. The earthquake hit at midday, followed by a strong aftershock and several moderate ones.
The tremors were felt across neighboring countries, including Thailand, China, and Laos.
Severe Impact and Aftershock Warnings
A U.S. government analysis estimated that there could be thousands of deaths and significant economic losses, with the Sagaing and Meiktila regions being among the worst affected.
State media reported the collapse of buildings in multiple cities and towns, as well as significant damage to infrastructure such as a railway bridge and a road bridge on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway. Images showed the destroyed Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River, its arches submerged in water.
“The impact of the earthquake in Myanmar is likely to be severe, with possibly thousands of displaced people in need of urgent shelter, food, and medical aid,” said Mohammed Riyas, regional director of the International Rescue Committee. “We fear it may be weeks before we understand the full extent of destruction caused by this earthquake, as communication network lines are down and transport is disrupted.”
Experts have warned of inevitable aftershocks that could continue to affect the region. Wang Tun, director of the Natural Disaster Early Warning Research Center at Sichuan University, noted the likelihood of further seismic activity.
International Aid Response
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and stated that the UN is mobilizing resources in Southeast Asia to support those in need. A UN spokesperson mentioned that emergency aid has been allocated while additional needs are being assessed.
China has announced its readiness to deliver emergency humanitarian aid to Myanmar. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that, as a friendly neighbor, China is closely monitoring the situation and extends sincere sympathies to Myanmar. A Chinese medical rescue team has arrived in Yangon, with additional squads—China Search and Rescue (CSR) and Blue Sky Rescue—en route.
The United States also offered assistance. A State Department spokesperson said that disaster experts from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are prepared to provide essential aid such as food and potable water. “We are ready to move now,” the spokesperson said. “There has been no impact on our ability to perform those duties, those requests for aid, if and when they come in.”
Humanitarian organizations worldwide are coordinating efforts to assist in rescue and relief operations, addressing urgent needs for shelter, medical care, and basic necessities.
Rescue Efforts Ongoing
Local authorities and volunteers are working tirelessly to search for survivors amidst the rubble of collapsed buildings. Rescue teams are facing challenges due to damaged communication networks and disrupted transport infrastructure.
“Our immediate priority is to save lives and provide support to those affected,” said a spokesperson for Myanmar’s disaster management agency. “We are grateful for the international assistance and solidarity during this difficult time.”
