BANGKOK, Thailand – A devastating earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar and parts of Thailand on Friday, causing significant destruction, including buildings, infrastructure, and a dam. The aftermath has tragically resulted in at least 144 fatalities in Myanmar, with more than 700 individuals injured, as reported by the head of Myanmar’s military government in a televised address.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing warned that the numbers of casualties are expected to increase as rescue operations continue. Meanwhile, in the Thai capital of Bangkok, six people lost their lives following the collapse of a high-rise building under construction. Additionally, the quake caused disruptions and damage in neighboring China.
In response to the disaster, Myanmar’s military-run government has implemented a state of emergency across six regions, facing challenges with ongoing civil war and accessibility issues. Concurrently, Malaysia announced the deployment of a 50-member humanitarian aid team to Yangon, Myanmar, to assist in relief operations. The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is facilitating these efforts alongside local authorities.
International support is pouring in, with China, Russia, and India dispatching rescue teams to Myanmar. A Chinese contingent arrived with emergency relief supplies, while Russia has sent aircraft loaded with rescuers and essential materials. India is contributing a search and rescue team accompanied by medical supplies and other aid items to assist affected communities.
Despite the catastrophe, most of Bangkok’s metro and light rail services resumed normal operations by Saturday morning, although certain lines remain under inspection. Initially reported figures of fatalities in Bangkok were revised downward as authorities clarified the situation, highlighting the difficult task of assessing casualties amid the chaos.
China, through its foreign ministry, expressed readiness to provide further humanitarian aid to Myanmar, emphasizing their strong bilateral “pauk-phaw” friendship. Elsewhere, the recent reduction of services at Radio Free Asia has resulted in a media vacuum, complicating information gathering in affected regions during this critical period.
In a bid to bolster recovery efforts, the United Nations has allocated $5 million from its emergency relief fund to support those impacted by the disaster. The U.N. emergency relief coordinator highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where millions already require assistance.
The International Rescue Committee expressed concern over the severe impact, highlighting potential needs for shelter, food, and healthcare. They noted the difficulty in accurately assessing the damage due to disrupted communications and infrastructure damage. Meanwhile, Pope Francis extended prayers for the victims from Vatican City.
Within Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, the earthquake caused the collapse of a notable monastery and a dam burst, exacerbating flooding risks. Power outages and debris hindered rescue efforts, with critical infrastructure like bridges and highways suffering damage. Officials urged blood donations due to increasing demand in hospitals across key affected areas.
In Thailand, emergency responders continue to handle the repercussions of the quake, particularly in Bangkok where efforts to retrieve trapped individuals under rubble are ongoing. The collapse of a nearby crane amplified the chaos, as distraught residents evacuated into streets and parks seeking safety from further tremors.
The quake’s tremors were felt as far as Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China, where injuries and structural damage were reported. Visuals from affected Chinese areas depicted scattered debris and emergency services attending to injured individuals. As communities rally amid these challenging times, local and international entities continue to unify efforts to address the catastrophe’s extensive impacts.