More than 1,000 people have lost their lives in Myanmar due to a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake on Friday, also affecting Thailand, according to a new official tally on Saturday while rescue efforts intensify to find survivors.
The shallow earthquake occurred on Friday at around 12:50 local time in northwest Sagaing city, Myanmar, followed a few minutes later by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock (updated to 6.7).
The tremors caused scenes of chaos and despair in Myanmar, where the collapse of homes, buildings, bridges, and religious sites could lead to a major disaster in a country already weakened by the ongoing civil conflict since the junta’s 2021 coup.
Geologists from the United States report that no earthquake of this magnitude has hit Myanmar for decades, with the tremors powerful enough to instill fear 1,000 kilometres from the epicentre, impacting millions in Bangkok where such quakes are rare.
The junta reported at least 1,002 fatalities and 2,376 injuries predominantly in the Mandalay region, the second largest city and most severely affected area. With communication channels damaged, the full extent of the disaster is still difficult to assess, and the human toll may rise further.
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Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has made an unusual call for international aid, inviting “any country, any organisation” to offer assistance. Historically, military regimes have been reluctant to seek foreign help after natural disasters.
Authorities have declared a state of emergency in the six worst-hit regions. Hundreds of injured were treated outdoors due to structural damage to Naypyidaw’s hospital, reported AFP journalists on Friday.
A plane from India loaded with hygiene kits, blankets, food, and other essential supplies landed in Yangon on Saturday. China has announced the deployment of 82 rescuers. France, the European Union, and Indonesia have also offered support, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) has activated its emergency management system.
Humanitarian agencies warn that Myanmar is unprepared to handle a disaster of this magnitude. The civil conflict has displaced approximately 3.5 million people, with the United Nations warning in January that 15 million Myanmar residents might face hunger by 2025, even before the earthquake occurred.
