Myanmar-Thailand Earthquake Claims Over 1,000 Lives Amid Widespread Destruction

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook Myanmar on Friday, causing catastrophic damage across the country and leaving more than 1,000 people dead. The tremor, centered near Mandalay, triggered multiple aftershocks, including a powerful 6.4-magnitude quake, which led to the collapse of buildings, roads, and bridges. The military-led government confirmed 1,002 fatalities, with 2,376 people injured and 30 still missing. Given the ongoing civil war, relief efforts face significant challenges, and the death toll is expected to rise further. Many survivors remain trapped under debris, while authorities continue rescue operations amid power outages and disrupted communication networks.

Neighboring Thailand also experienced the quake’s impact, with Bangkok and other regions reporting casualties and structural damage. Six people were confirmed dead, 26 injured, and 47 missing, primarily from a construction site near Chatuchak market. Rescuers raced against time to locate survivors, with family members anxiously awaiting updates. Northern provinces like Chiang Mai also witnessed destruction, particularly in residential buildings, hospitals, and temples. The tremors underscored the vulnerability of structures in the region, as experts pointed to Myanmar’s location on the dangerous Sagaing Fault, a major seismic zone prone to powerful earthquakes.

In addition to natural devastation, Myanmar’s military continued airstrikes in conflict-ridden areas, further complicating relief efforts. International aid has started pouring in, with China, Russia, India, and Malaysia deploying search and rescue teams, medical assistance, and emergency supplies. The UN and South Korea pledged financial support for humanitarian operations, while global organizations assess the scale of destruction. The ongoing conflict, combined with the earthquake’s destruction, has deepened Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis, leaving millions in urgent need of aid and reconstruction support.

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