A catastrophic earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Myanmar and neighboring Thailand on Friday, causing widespread destruction and claiming more than 150 lives.
Myanmar in Ruins: Buildings Collapse, Dam Bursts, and Infrastructure Crumbles
The earthquake’s epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, striking at midday and followed by a strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock. The full extent of the destruction remains uncertain, particularly in Myanmar, where communication is limited due to ongoing political turmoil. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military leader, announced in a televised address that over 730 people had been injured.
Images from the capital, Naypyidaw, showed rescue workers pulling victims from the wreckage of government housing buildings. A desperate need for medical assistance and blood donations has emerged, prompting calls for international aid. The United Nations has responded, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stating, "We are mobilizing resources to provide immediate assistance to Myanmar’s affected regions."
The disaster has further strained Myanmar’s fragile infrastructure, already weakened by years of conflict and neglect. A historic 90-year-old bridge in Sagaing collapsed, severing key transport routes. The highway linking Mandalay and Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, sustained severe damage, hindering rescue efforts. In Mandalay, the famed Ma Soe Yane monastery crumbled in a dramatic collapse caught on video. Footage circulating on social media showed monks standing outside the structure moments before it fell into rubble. "We don’t know if anyone was inside when it collapsed," one witness said.
Adding to the crisis, a dam burst in Mandalay, flooding lowland areas and displacing hundreds of residents. Christian Aid confirmed the disaster, with officials warning that water levels were continuing to rise, threatening more communities.
Thailand Shaken: Bangkok’s High-Rise Collapses, Hundreds Missing
While Myanmar suffered the greatest damage, Thailand also faced devastation. Bangkok city officials confirmed that 10 people were killed, 16 injured, and 101 missing after a 33-story building under construction collapsed near the Chatuchak market. Videos showed the structure disintegrating into a cloud of dust as terrified onlookers fled. "It’s a great tragedy," said Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, adding that rescue teams were searching for survivors.
Sirens wailed across Bangkok as emergency teams worked through the wreckage. Vehicles on nearby highways came to a standstill, and the city’s elevated train and subway services were suspended. Residents reported high-rise buildings swaying, with water spilling from rooftop pools. "I saw the lights swinging, then heard a creaking sound. We ran down 12 flights of stairs," said Voranoot Thirawat, a lawyer working in central Bangkok.
Tourists also felt the tremors. Fraser Morton, visiting from Scotland, described the chaos inside a shopping mall. "The whole building began to shake violently. People screamed and ran in panic," he said. Another tourist, Paul Vincent from England, recalled, "I looked up and saw a high-rise building bending. I’ve never seen anything like it."
Rescue Efforts Underway Amid Challenges
Rescue operations face significant challenges, especially in Myanmar, where ongoing conflict has left large areas inaccessible. The International Rescue Committee’s Myanmar director, Mohammed Riyas, expressed concern: "We fear it may be weeks before we understand the full extent of destruction caused by this earthquake. Many areas are already in a humanitarian crisis, and this disaster will only worsen the situation."
More than 3 million people have been displaced by Myanmar’s civil war, and nearly 20 million require aid, according to the UN. The military government has announced that it is open to international assistance, a rare move given its past reluctance to accept foreign aid.
In Thailand, emergency teams are working around the clock to search for survivors. Hospitals have set up outdoor triage areas, treating the injured as quickly as possible. "We are doing everything we can to save lives," said a Bangkok emergency responder.
Earthquake Felt in China, Injuries Reported
The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar and Thailand, with tremors felt in China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. Reports from Ruili, a city near the Myanmar border, indicated damage and injuries. Videos showed streets littered with debris and rescue workers carrying injured individuals on stretchers.
In Mangshi, a Chinese city 100 kilometers northeast of Ruili, residents described intense shaking. "I couldn’t even stand up," said one local resident. Authorities in China are now assessing the damage and mobilizing relief efforts.
A Long Road to Recovery
As Myanmar and Thailand grapple with the aftermath of the disaster, concerns remain over long-term recovery. The destruction of infrastructure, the displacement of thousands, and the existing political instability in Myanmar complicate efforts to rebuild. Aid organizations are urging the international community to respond swiftly.
"People have lost their homes, their families, and their livelihoods. They need immediate support," said Julie Mehigan of Christian Aid. "This is a tragedy that will take years to recover from."
With rescue efforts still underway, officials warn that the death toll could rise. The true extent of the devastation remains unknown, but one thing is clear: the people of Myanmar and Thailand will need significant assistance to recover from this catastrophic event.