A powerful earthquake hit Myanmar and regions of adjacent Thailand, resulting in widespread devastation and an increasing number of fatalities. As of Saturday evening, the death toll in both Myanmar and Thailand surpassed 1,600, with Myanmar alone accounting for 1,644 fatalities.
Here are ten key details regarding this significant event:
The earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.7, struck northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, at 12:50 pm (0650 GMT) on Friday, occurring at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. Shortly after, a 6.7-magnitude aftershock and several smaller quakes followed.
The tremors were felt throughout the surrounding area, impacting buildings from India in the west to China in the east, along with Cambodia and Laos. This morning, Myanmar's military junta announced that the number of deceased in the country had exceeded 1,000.
Ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar, which was ignited by the military's takeover, has significantly hampered emergency response efforts, leaving them unprepared for such a large-scale disaster.
In Thailand, the earthquake resulted in the death of 10 individuals, mainly due to the collapse of a high-rise building under construction near the Chatuchak market in Bangkok. There are concerns that up to 100 workers might be trapped in the debris.
In Mandalay, Myanmar, numerous buildings crumbled into heaps of rubble and twisted metal as residents and emergency responders rushed to rescue individuals trapped beneath the wreckage. The Ava Bridge, an almost 100-year-old structure that spanned the Irrawaddy River from Sagaing, fell into the water.
The destruction in Myanmar led to an unusual plea for international assistance from the isolated military government. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing sought support from "any country, any organization."
India was among the first nations to offer help, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concern and willingness to provide support. "Worried about the situation following the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Wishing for the safety and health of all. India is prepared to extend any possible aid. In this context, I instructed our personnel to be ready. I also requested the MEA to stay in contact with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand," PM Modi stated on Friday.
The Indian Air Force sent 15 tonnes of relief materials, comprising tents, blankets, water purifiers, and vital medications, from its Hindon air base to support Myanmar. Under 'Operation Brahma', India is also dispatching a team of 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) members to help with relief and rescue operations in Myanmar.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand convened an emergency meeting to evaluate the effects of the earthquake. The Indian embassy in Thailand reported no injuries among Indian citizens but urged caution.
The European Union and the United States also committed to providing assistance. US President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington had been in communication with the authorities in Myanmar. "It's really serious, and we will be providing help," he told the press.
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