A powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The confirmed death toll has risen sharply to 1,644, up from the 1,002 fatalities reported earlier. Over 3,400 people have been injured, and 139 are still missing.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 20 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million. In response, the National Disaster Management Committee declared a state of emergency across several regions, including the Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, the northeastern part of Shan State, the capital Nay Pyi Taw, and Bago Region.
Impact on Neighboring Countries
The earthquake is the strongest recorded this year, according to the United States Geological Survey. Tremors were felt across the region, impacting Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and southwest China’s Yunnan Province.
In Thailand, authorities reported 10 fatalities and 42 injuries, with 78 people missing in the capital, Bangkok. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in the city. Noticeable tremors were also felt in northern provinces such as Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, where some tourist attractions in the Pai District collapsed.
Residents in high-rise buildings in the Lao capital of Vientiane experienced significant shaking. Similar reports came from Vietnam’s major cities—Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City—where people in tall buildings felt the tremors.
In southwest China’s Yunnan Province, which borders Myanmar, two people were injured, and nine individuals trapped in an elevator were rescued. The earthquake damaged 847 residences, affecting 2,840 people, according to the Information Office of the Ruili City government.
In Bangladesh, panic spread in several cities, including Dhaka and Chattogram. Authorities advised residents to remain alert and prepare for potential aftershocks.
Global Aid Efforts Underway
The disaster exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar, where nearly 20 million people require assistance, including over 3.5 million displaced from their homes.
The international community has mobilized to aid Myanmar. The United Nations allocated $5 million for humanitarian efforts. India dispatched 15 tonnes of relief materials, including tents, blankets, and medical supplies. Russia, Malaysia, and Singapore have also sent aid and personnel to support relief operations.
A Chinese national rescue team of 82 members arrived at Yangon International Airport on Saturday afternoon with rescue equipment and supplies aboard a chartered Air China flight. They departed from the Beijing Capital International Airport earlier that morning. Additionally, China has committed 100 million yuan (approximately $13.8 million) in emergency humanitarian aid to support earthquake relief efforts, according to a spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency.
On Saturday morning, 37 members of China’s Yunnan Rescue Medical Team arrived in Myanmar. They brought emergency relief supplies, including life detectors, earthquake early-warning systems, portable satellite telecom devices, and drones. The team joined forces with Myanmar’s fire and rescue services to conduct disaster relief work in the affected areas of Nay Pyi Taw. Earlier, Yunnan Province sent an initial batch of 80 tents and 290 blankets by air to Myanmar.
As rescue efforts continue, authorities and aid organizations urge caution and preparedness for potential aftershocks.
