A powerful earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday has left over 1,000 people dead and thousands injured, with widespread damage reported across the region and into neighbouring Thailand.
Myanmar-Thailand earthquake: What are the latest updates?
The Myanmar military government confirmed on Saturday that 1,002 people had died and 2,376 were injured, while 30 people remain unaccounted for.
The 7.7-magnitude quake was followed by multiple aftershocks, including one measuring 6.4 and another at 5.1 on Saturday, intensifying the devastation in already damaged areas.
The epicentre, it’s reported, was located northwest of the city of Sagaing, but the impact extended to several regions, including Mandalay, Bago, Magway, northeastern Shan State, and Naypyidaw.
Many buildings, including residential complexes and government facilities, collapsed or were severely damaged.
The country’s ongoing civil conflict and unstable infrastructure have made rescue efforts particularly difficult.
In Mandalay, emergency workers are continuing to search the wreckage of the Sky Villa Condominium, where more than 90 people were initially feared trapped.
As of Saturday, nine people have been confirmed dead from that site alone, with 44 rescued alive. On the same day, AFP journalists witnessed the rescue of Phyu Lay Khaing, a 30-year-old woman who was pulled from the rubble after more than 30 hours.
The disaster also affected parts of Thailand. In Bangkok, where earthquakes are uncommon, the tremor caused a high-rise building under construction near the popular Chatuchak market to collapse.
City officials reported 10 confirmed deaths and said 78 people remain missing. Rescue teams have brought in additional heavy machinery to continue clearing debris and searching for survivors.
In response to the crisis, India has launched ‘Operation Brahma,’ deploying two naval ships and preparing to airlift a 118-member field hospital team from Agra.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, additional assistance will follow in the coming days.
Myanmar sits on the Sagaing Fault, a major seismic zone running north to south across the country.
Experts note that this area is especially vulnerable due to the widespread use of unreinforced brick masonry and timber in construction. Seismologist Brian Baptie of the British Geological Survey stated that the combination of strong shaking and weak structures often results in high casualties during large quakes.
Across central Myanmar, the earthquake has buckled roads, collapsed bridges, and even burst a dam. In Naypyidaw, authorities are working to repair damaged roads while much of the capital remains without electricity, phone, or internet service. Some government housing blocks have also collapsed, though these areas have been cordoned off.
While official figures continue to be updated, the full scale of the disaster is still emerging. Emergency crews remain at several major collapse sites, racing against time to find survivors amid the rubble.
