In brief
The recent earthquake in central Myanmar has left a trail of destruction, with early reports indicating hundreds of fatalities and injuries as building collapses and civil strife further complicate rescue efforts.
A devastating earthquake rocked central Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction and chaos across the region. Measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, the quake struck near Mandalay, a city already grappling with civil unrest, and has heightened fears of significant casualties. The Myanmar military government reported at least 144 fatalities and over 700 injuries in three cities, although these numbers do not include Mandalay, which is close to the epicenter and experienced severe damage.Experts from the U.S. Geological Survey estimate that the actual death toll could exceed 1,000, with projections suggesting potentially more than 10,000, given the dense population and aging infrastructure in the affected areas. The earthquake also caused catastrophic damage in neighboring countries, with reports confirming the collapse of a 33-story building under construction in Bangkok, Thailand, resulting in at least eight confirmed deaths among construction workers.The quake struck around 12:50 PM local time and was the third major earthquake to hit this region in the last century. Following the initial shock, a powerful aftershock of magnitude 6.7 hit shortly after, accompanied by additional tremors that continued to rattle the area. The seismic activity was felt far beyond Myanmar, reaching as far as Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, and southern China, where various reports indicated injuries in border areas.In response to the escalating crisis, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared an emergency in Bangkok, urging residents to evacuate tall buildings due to the risk of further aftershocks. As rescue teams work diligently in Myanmar to assess damage and provide aid, the country braces for the aftermath of this catastrophic event amidst ongoing political turmoil.
