Devastating 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Myanmar, Death Toll Surpasses 140

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar early Friday, claiming at least 144 lives and injuring more than 730 people, with tremors felt across Thailand and China. The quake’s epicenter was near Mandalay, and a 6.4-magnitude aftershock followed, causing further devastation.

Widespread Destruction & Rising Casualties

Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, confirmed the casualties, warning that the death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. The capital Naypyidaw was among the worst-hit areas, with 96 fatalities reported.

Neighboring Thailand also felt the impact, with buildings collapsing in Bangkok. At least three people lost their lives, and authorities are racing against time to rescue 81 individuals trapped under the rubble of an under-construction high-rise.

Challenges in Disaster Response

Myanmar, already struggling with the effects of a civil war since the 2021 military coup, lacks adequate infrastructure to handle large-scale disasters. Communication blackouts and military-controlled regions make it difficult to assess the full extent of the devastation. The country’s leadership has declared a state of emergency and issued a rare appeal for international assistance.

“We urge all nations and organizations to support our ongoing rescue operations,” said Min Aung Hlaing in a televised statement. India has pledged assistance, while humanitarian groups are urging the junta to allow unrestricted aid access.

A Historic Earthquake

Experts say this is the most powerful earthquake to hit Myanmar since 1946. The tremor originated from a strike-slip fault, where the India and Eurasia tectonic plates moved past each other, triggering violent shaking. Over 90 million people across Southeast Asia experienced at least mild tremors, and aftershocks are expected to continue.

As rescue teams work tirelessly amid the destruction, the global community watches closely, hoping for swift humanitarian intervention in one of Asia’s most vulnerable nations.