A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 struck Myanmar and Thailand earlier today, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The disaster has already claimed at least 154 lives, with numbers expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, announced that 144 people have died and 730 have been injured in the country. In Thailand, officials reported 10 deaths, 16 injuries, and 101 missing persons linked to the collapse of three construction sites in Bangkok, including a high-rise building.
The earthquake hit around midday near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, shaking the region and triggering several aftershocks, one of which was measured at 6.4. Experts from the United States Geological Survey warn that the total number of casualties could eventually exceed 1,000 as the situation unfolds.
Myanmar’s military government, which has been in power since a coup in 2021, has called for blood donations and is open to foreign assistance. The United Nations has responded by allocating $5 million for immediate relief efforts. U.S. President Donald Trump has also pledged support, stating, "We’re going to be helping. We’ve already alerted the people."
Rescue operations are facing significant challenges. The ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar has already left many areas vulnerable, and the earthquake has damaged infrastructure, including bridges and roads. Mohammed Riyas, the International Rescue Committee’s director in Myanmar, expressed concern, saying it may take weeks to fully assess the damage.
Reports indicate that buildings have collapsed in five urban areas, and two bridges, including one critical for connecting major cities, have been destroyed. In Mandalay, a dam failure has led to flooding in nearby lowlands.
In Bangkok, witnesses shared videos of a 33-story construction project collapsing near the popular Chatuchak market. Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit described the situation as a "great tragedy."
Even before this earthquake, Myanmar was in a dire humanitarian situation, with nearly 20 million people already in need of assistance. Julie Mehigan from Christian Aid highlighted the ongoing conflict and displacement issues that have left many vulnerable.
As rescue teams work around the clock, the full extent of the destruction remains unclear, but the need for aid and support is urgent.