The devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has left the country in chaos, with hospitals overwhelmed, infrastructure crumbling, and a rising death toll that remains difficult to verify. The tremor, which originated northwest of Sagaing, was so powerful that it sent shockwaves across the region, shaking major cities, toppling buildings, and leaving countless people trapped under debris. In the capital, Naypyidaw, the situation is critical, with the city's largest hospital struggling to cope with the sheer number of casualties. Rows of wounded lay outside the emergency department, some groaning in pain, others unconscious, their bodies covered in dust and blood as doctors and nurses rushed to provide treatment in makeshift triage zones.
The impact on the hospital itself was severe—the emergency department partially collapsed, its entrance reduced to rubble, crushing a car beneath it. Medical staff, already stretched thin, were forced to treat patients in hallways and outdoor areas as more and more injured people poured in. Some arrived in ambulances, others in private vehicles, while many were carried in on makeshift stretchers or the backs of motorcycles, their injuries ranging from broken bones to deep lacerations and head trauma. “I have never seen anything like this before,” a doctor at the hospital told AFP, his face lined with exhaustion. Security officials on the ground echoed his concerns, describing the influx of patients as overwhelming and stating that the emergency ward was no longer operational due to structural damage.
The earthquake struck with terrifying force, its tremors lasting for nearly 30 seconds—long enough to turn roads into cracked ruins, bring down entire buildings, and send terrified residents fleeing into the streets. The destruction was particularly severe in Sagaing, where houses crumbled, bridges collapsed, and landslides blocked key transportation routes. One of the most significant losses was the Ava Bridge, a historic structure spanning the Irrawaddy River, which collapsed into the water, cutting off a vital connection between regions. In Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, several landmarks suffered extensive damage, including the famous Mandalay Palace and the National Museum, where portions of the ceiling caved in and large cracks spread across the walls.
In Aung Ban, a town in eastern Myanmar, a hotel collapsed entirely, killing at least two people and leaving more than 20 others injured. Further south, in Taungoo, a mosque partially collapsed, resulting in the deaths of three worshippers. As emergency responders worked to pull survivors from the wreckage, officials warned that the final death toll could be significantly higher than the initial estimates. While Myanmar’s military government has officially reported five deaths, opposition sources claim at least 12, and local rescue workers fear that hundreds may be buried beneath the rubble.
Beyond Myanmar, the earthquake’s effects were felt as far as China and Thailand, with violent tremors shaking Bangkok’s towering skyscrapers. Residents described feeling the ground sway beneath their feet, prompting a wave of panic. In the Bang Sue district, an under-construction 30-story building collapsed, trapping dozens of workers inside. Rescuers on the scene reported hearing desperate cries for help from beneath the rubble. "I heard people calling for help, saying, ‘Help me,’" said a local police officer. Authorities estimate that hundreds of people may be injured, but the full extent of the disaster is still unclear as search efforts continue.
The earthquake has also raised concerns about Myanmar’s aging infrastructure, particularly its network of large dams, which could pose an even greater threat if they sustain structural damage. The Red Cross has issued an urgent warning about potential dam failures, particularly in Sagaing and Mandalay, where multiple reservoirs are already under stress. If any of these dams collapse, it could trigger catastrophic flooding, further worsening an already dire situation.
Myanmar’s military junta has declared a state of emergency in the most severely affected regions, including Sagaing, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw. Rescue operations are underway, but efforts are being hampered by damaged roads, collapsed bridges, and communication blackouts in some areas. The military has called on citizens to donate blood and has mobilized soldiers to assist in relief efforts. However, skepticism remains about the junta’s ability to handle the crisis effectively, given its history of restricting aid access and suppressing independent reporting. Opposition groups have urged international organizations to step in and provide direct humanitarian assistance, warning that government-controlled relief efforts may be inadequate.
Neighboring countries, including India and Thailand, have offered their support. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed government agencies to coordinate relief efforts, while Thailand has dispatched search-and-rescue teams to the affected areas. The United Nations has also pledged aid, though logistical challenges remain due to ongoing political instability in Myanmar.
As night falls, the scale of the disaster continues to unfold. Across the country, families are gathering in open spaces, afraid to return to their homes due to the risk of aftershocks. Rescue teams continue digging through rubble, hoping to find survivors before it is too late. Hospitals are running low on medical supplies, and with the main emergency center in Naypyidaw damaged, doctors are working under extreme pressure. The coming days will be critical in determining the full impact of the earthquake and how Myanmar, already struggling with political unrest and economic hardship, will recover from this devastating tragedy.
