The powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has caused catastrophic devastation, with the official death toll rising to at least 1,644 and over 2,400 people reported injured. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the actual toll could be significantly higher, potentially surpassing 10,000, given the scale of destruction across affected regions. The epicenter of the quake was Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, where buildings collapsed, roads were destroyed, and rescue operations have been severely hampered due to damaged infrastructure. Many survivors have been digging through the rubble with their bare hands, desperately searching for missing loved ones as emergency services struggle to reach remote and inaccessible areas.
The tremors were so intense that they were felt as far as 900 kilometers away in Bangkok, where the collapse of a skyscraper resulted in at least nine fatalities and widespread panic. Authorities in the Thai capital have received over 2,000 reports of structural cracks in buildings, prompting a state of emergency declaration. The governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, confirmed that rescue teams have detected vital signs from at least 15 individuals still trapped beneath the rubble, emphasizing that every second counts in the ongoing rescue operations.
The earthquake also caused significant tremors in parts of India, including Meghalaya and Manipur, as well as in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram. In China, the quake’s impact was also recorded, though the extent of damage remains unclear. Myanmar’s military-led government has acknowledged the scale of the disaster, with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing making a rare global appeal for international assistance, stating, "I would like to invite any country, any organization, or anyone in Myanmar to come and help. Thank you." This marks a rare instance of Myanmar’s military government seeking foreign aid amid its ongoing political crisis and civil war.
India has been among the first countries to respond to Myanmar’s appeal for assistance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally reached out to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, conveying India’s deep condolences and expressing solidarity with the people of Myanmar. Following this, India launched “Operation Brahma,” dispatching 15 tonnes of relief materials, including food packets, kitchen sets, and solar lamps, via an Air Force aircraft. Additionally, an 80-member team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), equipped with specialized gear and search dogs, has been deployed to assist in rescue efforts. Indian Navy ships INS Satpura and INS Savitri, carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid, are also on their way to the port of Yangon to provide further relief.
Meanwhile, despite recent budget cuts to USAID, the United States has vowed to send aid to Myanmar, which have stalled many global humanitarian operations. Former US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement regarding cuts to USAID funding had raised concerns about America’s ability to respond to international disasters, but the Biden administration has confirmed that Myanmar will receive emergency relief. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has also pledged its support, releasing a joint statement affirming its commitment to coordinating humanitarian aid and ensuring timely disaster response. China and Russia have already sent rescue teams and supplies to assist in relief efforts.
As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, Myanmar is also grappling with a severe power and water shortage in the aftermath of the earthquake. Many regions remain without electricity, and clean water sources have been contaminated due to the destruction of pipelines and infrastructure. The situation worsened when a fresh earthquake struck Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, around 2:50 pm on Saturday, causing further panic and uncertainty. The extent of the damage from this new tremor is still being assessed.
Geologists and earthquake experts have pointed out that Myanmar’s vulnerability to seismic activity is due to its position on the Sagaing fault line, one of Southeast Asia’s most active fault systems. The region has a history of powerful earthquakes, including a 7.7-magnitude quake in 1946 and a 6.8-magnitude tremor in 2012. Experts warn that given the frequency and intensity of past quakes, Myanmar must invest in stronger disaster preparedness measures to mitigate future calamities.
With rescue operations ongoing, the full scale of the devastation is yet to be determined. Aid organizations are warning of an impending humanitarian crisis as thousands remain homeless, medical facilities are overwhelmed, and food and water supplies are running dangerously low. The coming days will be crucial in determining how effectively Myanmar and the international community can respond to this unprecedented disaster.
