Myanmar Earthquake Kills Over 140, Injures 700+ as Buildings Collapse
Myanmar in Crisis: Deadly Earthquake Wreaks Havoc Across Southeast Asia
A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake has struck Myanmar, leaving at least 144 dead and 732 injured, with officials fearing the toll could rise. The devastating tremor, which hit central Myanmar at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles), was powerful enough to be felt in parts of China and Thailand, causing widespread panic and destruction.
According to Myanmar’s ruling junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, the country is now appealing for international assistance—a rare move for the usually isolated regime. The hardest-hit areas include the city of Mandalay and the towns of Toungoo and Aungban, where buildings crumbled under the quake’s force.
Hundreds of injured survivors have flooded hospitals in Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital, with medical teams forced to treat victims outside due to structural damage in health facilities.
Earthquake Felt in China’s Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces
The seismic event was also experienced in China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, where the city of Ruili, located on the Myanmar border, sustained damage and injuries. Chinese state media shared footage of streets filled with debris and emergency responders rushing to assist those affected.
A resident in Mangshi, a city 100km (60 miles) from Ruili, described the terrifying moment the quake struck:
“The shaking was so intense that people couldn’t even stand.”
Bangkok High-Rise Collapse Kills Three, Dozens Trapped
In Thailand, the earthquake’s impact was felt in Bangkok, where a high-rise building under construction collapsed, killing at least three people. Thai rescue teams are in a race against time to find 81 people feared trapped in the rubble.
As Myanmar reels from the catastrophe, rescue operations remain hampered by damaged infrastructure. Social media footage from affected regions reveals scenes of collapsed buildings, destroyed homes, and dust-filled streets as emergency teams work tirelessly to locate survivors.
With fears of aftershocks, officials are warning residents to stay alert, as Myanmar continues to assess the full scale of the devastation.
