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Powerful Earthquake Devastates Myanmar and Thailand, Death Toll Mounts
A powerful earthquake, the strongest to strike the region in nearly two centuries, has caused widespread devastation across Myanmar and Thailand. The massive 7.7 magnitude tremor has left more than 153 people confirmed dead, with officials expressing fears that the final death count could climb into the thousands. The quake, centered near Mandalay, Myanmar, triggered building collapses in both nations, including a high-rise in Bangkok, exacerbating the tragic consequences of this natural disaster.
Myanmar Grapples with Catastrophic Losses
Devastation in Mandalay and Surrounding Regions
Myanmar has borne the brunt of the seismic event, with at least 144 fatalities reported and over 732 individuals injured. The earthquake, registering 7.7 magnitude, struck near Mandalay early this morning, unleashing widespread destruction. Regions such as Mandalay, Sgaing, Magway, northeastern Shan, and Bago have been particularly hard-hit, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency.
The head of Myanmar’s military government, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, in a televised address, stated that the number of deaths and injuries is anticipated to increase. A state of emergency has been declared in the most affected regions. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with blood supplies running critically low in the hardest-hit areas.
Infrastructure Damage and Rescue Challenges
Initial reports paint a grim picture of buckled roads, collapsed bridges, and a breached dam, significantly hindering rescue operations. Concerns are mounting about reaching isolated communities already facing a humanitarian crisis. Despite Myanmar being located in an active seismic zone, the magnitude of this quake and its impact on densely populated areas are unprecedented in recent history.
The U.S. Geological Survey has projected that the death toll could potentially exceed 1,000. Myanmar’s state newspaper, Global New Light of Myanmar, confirmed building collapses in five cities and towns, along with the destruction of two key bridges, including a crucial link on the highway to Mandalay. Images circulating online show extensive damage to infrastructure, including a collapsed section of a major hospital in the capital.
Mohammed Riyas, Myanmar director for the International Rescue Committee, warned that assessing the full scope of the disaster could take weeks due to disrupted communication networks and transportation. He emphasized the likely severity of the impact, urging that the damage to infrastructure and homes, loss of life, and injuries should not be underestimated.
Thailand Reels from Earthquake Impact
Bangkok Building Collapse and Casualties
In Bangkok, Thailand, the earthquake led to the tragic collapse of a high-rise building under construction. Early reports indicate at least 10 fatalities in the Thai capital, with 16 others injured. Approximately 101 individuals remain missing from three construction sites, including the collapsed tower.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul acknowledged the possibility of discovering more bodies within the debris of the fallen structure. Hundreds of rescue personnel are on-site, engaged in frantic efforts to locate and extract trapped construction workers. The magnitude of the debris, reportedly as high as 10 stories in some areas, is significantly impeding rescue operations, despite the deployment of cranes and diggers.
Panic and Evacuations in Bangkok
The tremors caused widespread panic in Bangkok, with residents evacuating high-rise buildings and hotels. People poured into the streets seeking safety amidst visible swaying of skyscrapers and water cascading from rooftop pools. The city’s authorities have declared Bangkok a disaster area to streamline response efforts.
Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as individuals fled buildings in panic, many in bathrobes and swimwear. Tourist Fraser Morton recounted widespread screaming, panic, and people running in disarray within shopping malls. Like many others, he sought refuge in open spaces away from tall structures as aftershocks remained a concern.
International Aid and Response
Global Assistance Offered
The international community is mobilizing to provide assistance to Myanmar and Thailand. The United Nations has already allocated $5 million to initiate relief operations. US President Donald Trump has pledged US support to Myanmar following their rare appeal for international aid from the military junta.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity and affirmed the EU’s readiness to provide assistance, noting that Europe’s Copernicus satellites were already aiding first responders. The World Health Organization (WHO) has activated its emergency management system and is preparing to dispatch trauma injury supplies from its Dubai logistics hub.
Historical Context and Seismic Activity
Today’s earthquake is considered the most intense to strike Thailand since the 1839 Ava Earthquake. The region is no stranger to seismic activity; however, the increasing urbanization and infrastructure vulnerabilities in Myanmar exacerbate the impact of such events.
Professor Ian Main, a seismology expert at the University of Edinburgh, anticipates severe damage near the earthquake’s epicenter, citing population density and the structural vulnerability of buildings. The Red Cross has also raised concerns about potential dam failures and subsequent flooding due to infrastructure damage.
Key Points at a Glance:
- Major 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar at 13:20 local time.
- Powerful tremors felt across Myanmar, Thailand, India, and China.
- Over 153 confirmed deaths, with fears of significantly higher casualties.
- Building collapses in Mandalay, Bangkok, and Naypyidaw.
- Extensive infrastructure damage hampers rescue efforts.
- International aid pledged, UN and WHO mobilizing support.