Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand Claims Over 150 Lives

A devastating earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, March 28, causing significant destruction across the region. The powerful quake, measuring at a magnitude of 7.7, resulted in the collapse of numerous buildings, bridges, and even a historic monastery. Eyewitness accounts and footage from the two cities most affected depict widespread devastation and chaos. The earthquake’s epicenter was located near Mandalay, which is Myanmar’s second-largest city. Following the initial quake, several aftershocks occurred, with one reaching a magnitude of 6.4, further complicating rescue efforts and heightening public fear.

RELATED: Over 2,100 Dead After 7.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Turkey And Syria

Myanmar is situated in a seismically active region known for its frequent seismic activity; however, many earthquakes typically occur in sparsely populated areas. The recent quake, tragically, impacted urban locales, resulting in severe casualties and structural damage. Experts from the U.S. Geological Survey have projected that the death toll could rise to over 1,000 individuals, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive assessment and rescue operations in the aftermath of this natural disaster.

Critical Updates on Casualties and Damage from the Earthquake

The full impact of the earthquake in terms of loss of life, injuries, and destruction is still unfolding, especially in Myanmar, one of the most economically disadvantaged nations globally, currently facing a civil war that complicates communication and information dissemination. The situation is dire, and the lack of transparent reporting makes it challenging to grasp the complete scale of the disaster.

“The death toll and injuries are expected to rise,” stated Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s military government, during a televised address. He reported that at least 144 individuals had lost their lives and approximately 730 sustained injuries as a result of this catastrophic event.

In the wake of the disaster, the government of Myanmar has signaled a critical need for blood donations in the areas hardest hit by the earthquake. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has also announced that Myanmar is open to receiving international assistance, marking a significant shift from past governmental stances that were often reluctant to accept foreign aid. The United Nations has promptly allocated $5 million to initiate vital relief efforts aimed at providing immediate support to the affected population.

The tremors from the earthquake led to the collapse of multiple structures in Mandalay, including one of the city’s prominent monasteries, which holds immense cultural significance. Images emerging from the capital city of Naypyidaw depict rescue teams working tirelessly to extract victims from the debris. Many of the fallen buildings were residences for civil servants, further exacerbating the challenge of providing immediate shelter and assistance to those affected.

In Thailand, authorities in Bangkok reported that the earthquake resulted in the tragic loss of 10 lives, with 16 individuals injured and 101 others reported missing from three construction sites, including a high-rise that collapsed. A video circulating on social media captured the moment a 33-story building crumbled into a massive dust cloud near Bangkok’s bustling Chatuchak market, causing chaos as onlookers screamed and fled for safety. Vehicles on a nearby freeway came to a halt as the disaster unfolded.

Anticipated Relief and Damage Assessment Efforts in Myanmar

According to Myanmar’s state newspaper, Global New Light of Myanmar, five cities and towns have reported severe building collapses. Additionally, two critical bridges were destroyed, including one on a vital highway connecting to Mandalay. A distressing video emerged online showing robed monks in Mandalay recording the Ma Soe Yane monastery moments before it collapsed, although it remains unclear if anyone was injured in that instance. The video also highlighted damage to historical landmarks like the former royal palace. Reports from Christian Aid indicated a dam burst in the city, leading to rising water levels in lowland areas, compounding the ongoing crisis.

Despite the immediate challenges, the International Rescue Committee’s Myanmar director, Mohammed Riyas, emphasized that it may take “weeks” to fully understand the extent of the damage caused by this tragic earthquake.

For context, Myanmar’s military took control of the nation from the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, triggering a brutal civil war involving established militias and newly formed pro-democracy groups. The chaos has led to government forces losing control over vast areas of Myanmar, creating barriers for aid organizations attempting to reach those in dire need. Over 3 million individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict, with nearly 20 million people requiring urgent assistance, according to reports from the United Nations.

Associated Press staff David Rising, Jintamas Saksornchai, Adam Schreck, Haruka Naga, Jerry Harmer, Grant Peck and Penny Wang in Bangkok, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Ken Moritsugu in Beijing, Edith M. Lederer and Farnoush Amiri at the United Nations and Jennifer Peltz in New York contributed to this report.