A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, killing 1,644 people, according to the country’s military government. Around 2,389 people were injured, and 30 others are missing. The number of deaths may rise as rescue operations continue.
The earthquake’s epicenter was in Mandalay, where 1,591 houses were damaged. The BBC reported that at least 90 people were trapped inside a building in Mandalay. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7, hit northwest of Sagaing city on Friday afternoon. Minutes later, another quake of magnitude 6.4 struck the same area, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The military government has set up a temporary hospital and relief camps at Mandalay Airport. However, the airport has been closed due to damage to its runway. The authorities are working to resume flights soon.
CBS News reported that security personnel and technicians have been trying to repair damaged roads and restore electricity, phone, and internet services in the capital, Naypyidaw. According to international media, since the military took control of Myanmar in 2021, it has restricted information, making it difficult to get accurate updates about the earthquake.
The earthquake also affected Thailand, where 10 people died in Bangkok. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said rescue efforts are underway for at least 15 people trapped under the rubble. About 100 people are missing. Six airports, including those in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Chiang Rai, and Phuket, have resumed operations. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the situation in Bangkok has returned to normal. A building under construction collapsed due to the earthquake.
Myanmar’s military government declared a state of emergency in six areas on Friday and requested international aid. Within 24 hours, help arrived from several countries, including China. Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, visited hospitals and expressed hope for more international support. China sent a rescue team of over 135 experts, along with medical kits and generators. Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with Min Aung Hlaing and pledged humanitarian aid worth 100 million yuan (about 13 million US dollars). China is one of Myanmar junta’s biggest trade partners.
Russia has also sent 120 rescuers, including search dogs, psychologists, and experts. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated on social media that India has sent medical and rescue teams. Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia have also announced plans to send rescue teams, according to CNN.
The United Nations has allocated 5 million dollars for relief efforts. South Korea will provide 2 million dollars in humanitarian aid through international organizations. Malaysia will send a rescue team on Sunday. US President Donald Trump has also pledged assistance.
Since the military took power in February 2021 by overthrowing Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government, Myanmar has faced violent conflicts with rebels and pro-democracy groups. Even after the earthquake, military attacks have continued. Airstrikes were reported in the northern Karenni (Kayin) state and southern Shan state, both of which border Mandalay, the earthquake-affected region.
Dave Eubank, founder of the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian aid group that has been assisting both fighters and civilians in Myanmar since the 1990s, told CBS News that many villages in the affected area were already destroyed by military attacks, so the earthquake’s impact appeared less severe. In northern Shan state, an airstrike on a rebel-held village just minutes after the earthquake killed seven rebels and damaged five buildings, including a school, according to Shwe Phee Myay News Agency, cited by AP News.
