Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 1,644 as Rescue Efforts Intensify

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake—the strongest to hit Myanmar in a century—has claimed at least 1,644 lives and left thousands injured in its wake.

The quake struck on Friday, causing widespread destruction, particularly in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. As of late Saturday, authorities reported over 3,408 injuries, with 139 people still missing.

Mandalay, home to approximately 1.5 million residents, suffered severe damage, with around 2,300 buildings—including homes, temples, and monasteries—collapsing. More than 600 monasteries, nearly 300 pagodas, 60 schools, and three bridges in the region were either destroyed or heavily damaged.

The earthquake also impacted critical infrastructure, including parts of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway and several dams in Upper Myanmar.

“It was a nightmare—I am still scared,” said Kyaw Moe Aung, a Mandalay resident who witnessed the collapse of a condominium in the Aungmyaythazan township. “Hundreds of buildings collapsed here and there, and there were several aftershocks until late at night.”

READ ALSO: Eze Shines as Crystal Palace Storm into FA Cup Semi-Finals with 3-0 Win Over Fulham

Recognizing the scale of the disaster, Myanmar’s military-led government issued a rare request for international assistance. Rescue teams from China, India, and Russia have arrived, bringing professional search-and-rescue personnel, medical teams, and specialized equipment.

These teams are heading to Mandalay and the administrative capital, Naypyidaw, where damage has also been reported. The international airports in both cities remain closed until further notice.

The United States and other countries have pledged emergency aid and additional support. With telecommunications disrupted due to prolonged power outages, major cities, including the commercial capital Yangon, are facing severe electricity shortages, with residents reportedly limited to just four hours of power daily.

READ ALSO: WHO Faces 20% Budget Cut Following US Withdrawal

The tremors were felt beyond Myanmar’s borders, causing significant damage in Thailand. In Bangkok, authorities are searching for dozens of people still missing after a 30-story high-rise building under construction collapsed. The disaster has claimed nine lives, and around 100 people remain unaccounted for.

Thailand’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department confirmed that 57 out of the country’s 77 provinces experienced tremors, with structural damage reported in 13 of them. The government has declared the earthquake a level 3 disaster—categorizing it as major—and is coordinating rescue and relief operations accordingly.

Bangkok city officials have ordered safety audits for public and government buildings to assess earthquake-related damage. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that over 6,000 buildings in the capital have reported cracks, with two cases involving residential buildings deemed critical. Occupants have been informed about necessary safety measures.

Three hospitals in Bangkok were inspected, and one, Ratwithi Hospital, was deemed unsafe for further use due to structural damage. To support those affected, the city has opened 11 temporary shelters and is providing financial assistance.

Stock and futures exchanges in Thailand halted trading on Friday due to emergency evacuations. While the stock exchange’s headquarters will remain closed through Tuesday, it is unclear whether trading will resume before then. Meanwhile, public transport services, including some Bangkok Expressway and Metro rail lines, temporarily suspended operations for safety inspections.

Despite the widespread disruptions, Thailand’s Tourism Authority announced that businesses, tourist attractions, and convention centers remain operational, with periodic safety assessments in place. Major shopping mall operator Siam Piwat assured customers that its buildings are structurally sound and have resumed normal operations.

Thailand is a significant global manufacturing hub, and while concerns arose about potential disruptions, companies like Samsung Electronics reported no impact on their operations.

As Myanmar and Thailand grapple with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, the focus now shifts to rescue operations, rebuilding efforts, and providing aid to affected communities. The international response has been swift, but the road to recovery will be long and challenging. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the destruction while prioritizing the search for survivors and ensuring critical infrastructure is restored.