A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar near Mandalay early Friday morning, causing widespread destruction, loss of life, and panic across the region. The tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, and parts of China.
In Myanmar, the earthquake has caused significant devastation. At least 55 people have been reported dead, and over 200 others are injured. Buildings have crumbled, with many bridges and historic structures suffering severe damage. The collapse of a mosque in Mandalay resulted in multiple fatalities, and the Ava Bridge, an important transportation link, has been destroyed. Hospitals in Mandalay and Naypyidaw are overwhelmed with injured victims as emergency services scramble to provide aid. The military government has declared a state of emergency in six regions and is appealing for international assistance to support relief efforts.
The impact of the earthquake extended to Thailand, where strong tremors shook Bangkok. A 30-story building under construction collapsed, killing at least three people and leaving around 90 others trapped under the rubble. The sudden jolts caused panic among residents, leading to mass evacuations and temporary shutdowns of urban transport services. Thai authorities have declared Bangkok a disaster zone and established an emergency response team to assist in rescue operations.
Rescue teams in both Myanmar and Thailand are working around the clock to locate survivors. Authorities are warning people to stay alert for aftershocks and follow safety guidelines to prevent further casualties. The disaster has raised concerns about infrastructure stability in Southeast Asia, with experts emphasizing the need for improved earthquake-resistant construction.
As emergency operations continue, the region remains on high alert. The full scale of the damage is still being assessed, and the coming days will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of this catastrophic event.
