A devastating earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing significant destruction and damage across the country, which is already one of the world’s poorest nations. The initial death toll of over 140 is expected to rise in the coming days, as warned by officials. In neighboring Thailand, at least six people died in Bangkok when a high-rise under construction collapsed. The extent of the damage, injuries, and loss of life is still unclear, particularly in Myanmar where information is tightly controlled and the country is embroiled in a civil war. Myanmar’s military government has announced that at least 144 people were killed and over 700 injured.
The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7, occurred near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. Aftershocks followed, including one measuring a strong 6.4 magnitude. Myanmar is in an active earthquake belt, but many of the temblors occur in sparsely populated areas. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated that the death toll could top 1,000. In Mandalay, multiple buildings collapsed, including a major monastery. Rescue crews were seen pulling victims from the rubble of buildings used to house civil servants.
Myanmar’s government has stated that blood donations are in high demand in the affected areas and that they are open to accepting foreign aid. Various countries, including China, Russia, India, and Malaysia, have offered assistance and sent rescue teams. The United Nations has allocated $5 million for relief efforts. Concerns have been raised regarding how rescuers will reach some areas in a country already facing a humanitarian crisis. The disaster is expected to cause devastation for people already struggling in Myanmar. In Thailand, a 33-story building under construction collapsed near Bangkok’s Chatuchak market, resulting in at least six deaths. The earthquake was felt in neighboring China, causing damage and injuries in the city of Ruili on the border with Myanmar.
Source: http://www.africanews.com/2025/03/29/earthquake-devastates-southeast-asia-death-toll-rises/
