The powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock, has left widespread devastation in its wake. Buildings collapsed, bridges crumbled, and historic sites were severely damaged. The impact was felt in neighboring Thailand, where an under-construction high-rise in Bangkok collapsed, trapping over 80 people under the rubble. Officials in Myanmar have confirmed at least five deaths, while Thailand has reported three fatalities. However, Myanmar’s shadow government claims that the death toll is at least 12, and unverified reports suggest the actual number could be significantly higher.
Myanmar’s military junta has declared a state of emergency in several regions and has appealed for blood donations in the worst-affected areas. The extent of the destruction remains unclear due to communication challenges, but images circulating online show flattened houses, cracked roads, and collapsed structures. The epicenter of the earthquake was located just 17.2 km from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million.
At least three people were killed in Taungoo when a mosque partially collapsed, while a hotel in Aung Ban collapsed, leaving two people dead and 20 others injured. Unconfirmed reports suggest that more than 20 people have died across Myanmar. In Bangkok, authorities confirmed that one person was killed, and dozens of workers were rescued from a collapsed building, though many are still trapped as a large-scale rescue operation continues.
State media in Myanmar reported that buildings collapsed in at least five cities and towns, along with a railway bridge and a key road bridge on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway. One of the most significant structural losses is the Ava Bridge, a 90-year-old landmark that collapsed into the Irrawaddy River. A historic clock tower and parts of the famous Mandalay Palace also sustained heavy damage.
The Red Cross has expressed deep concern about the stability of large-scale dams in Myanmar following the earthquake. Marie Manrique, a senior Red Cross official, stated that public infrastructure has been severely impacted, including roads, bridges, and government buildings. There is growing anxiety about potential dam failures, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation.
Myanmar has declared emergency measures in six regions, including Sagaing, Mandalay, and the capital, Naypyitaw. Rescue efforts are underway, but with multiple bridges destroyed, reaching some affected areas—especially those with thousands of internally displaced persons—has become a formidable challenge. In Mandalay, a tea shop collapsed, trapping several people inside, while in Shan State, a hotel was completely reduced to rubble, with reports indicating multiple casualties.
In Thailand, the earthquake caused widespread panic in Bangkok, where guests in hotels ran out in bathrobes and swimwear. A rooftop pool at a luxury hotel spilled over as the tremors rocked the city. The Stock Exchange of Thailand suspended trading for the afternoon session, while metro and light rail services were temporarily halted.
The earthquake was also felt in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram, though no casualties or significant damage have been reported. In southwest China’s Yunnan province, which shares a border with Myanmar, tremors were strong but did not result in any immediate casualties, according to state media.
In India, mild tremors were experienced in Kolkata, Imphal, and Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills district. However, authorities confirmed that no property damage or casualties occurred in these areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern over the disaster and assured that India stands ready to provide all possible assistance to Myanmar and Thailand. He directed Indian authorities to be on standby and instructed the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with both countries.
As the full extent of the disaster unfolds, search-and-rescue operations continue, with emergency teams working tirelessly to reach those still trapped under debris. Humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross and UN relief agencies, are mobilizing resources to aid affected communities.
