Myanmar Earthquake: 694 Dead, 1,670 Injured as Aftershocks Continue; Tremors Reach Afghanistan
A massive earthquake struck Myanmar, killing 694 people and injuring 1,670, with aftershocks still shaking the region. The tremors were felt as far as Afghanistan, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster.
Death Toll and Predictions
A Myanmar military official confirmed that at least 694 people had died, but a U.S. agency has warned that the actual death toll could exceed 10,000 as search and rescue efforts continue.
Ongoing Earthquake Activity
Myanmar remains on edge following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit on Friday. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) recorded a 4.2-magnitude aftershock at 11:56 PM local time at a depth of 10 kilometers. Meanwhile, a separate 4.7-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan at 5:16 AM on Saturday, occurring at a depth of 180 kilometers. No casualties or damage have been reported in Afghanistan so far.
Destruction Across Myanmar and Thailand
The powerful earthquake caused severe devastation in Myanmar and parts of Thailand. Hundreds of lives were lost, and critical infrastructure—including homes, Buddhist temples, roads, and bridges—suffered heavy damage.
Impact in Thailand
In Thailand, a separate 7.2-magnitude earthquake added to the chaos. In Bangkok, a high-rise building under construction collapsed due to tremors, killing at least 10 people. Two additional construction sites also collapsed, leaving 10 dead, 16 injured, and 101 people unaccounted for.
Limited Information from Myanmar
Due to Myanmar’s strict military control over media and communication, the full extent of the disaster remains uncertain. The country is already struggling with an ongoing civil war, making rescue and relief efforts even more difficult. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing confirmed on national television that the death toll is expected to increase further. Current official figures report 144 confirmed deaths and 730 injuries.
Epicenter and Damage in Myanmar
The earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, around noon on Friday. Several strong aftershocks followed, with one measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale. Some of the worst destruction was seen in Mandalay, where a major Buddhist monastery collapsed. In Naypyidaw, the capital, emergency teams are still searching for survivors in government housing complexes.
Myanmar Seeks International Aid
The military government has urgently called for blood donations in the hardest-hit regions. Despite previous resistance to foreign aid, Myanmar is now accepting international assistance to deal with the crisis.
India’s Aid Effort
India has stepped in to help, sending 15 tons of relief supplies via an Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The shipment includes:
- Tents, blankets, and sleeping bags
- Ready-to-eat food and water purification systems
- Medical kits with antibiotics, painkillers, gloves, and syringes
- Solar lamps, generators, and sanitation kits
UN Pledges Emergency Support
The United Nations has committed $5 million in emergency funding to support Myanmar’s recovery efforts. Relief agencies are coordinating to deliver aid, provide shelter, and assist those affected by the disaster.
