A devastating earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, resulting in nearly 150 fatalities and injuring hundreds more. Dozens of people remain trapped in collapsed buildings, and authorities fear the death toll will continue to rise.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar, north of Sagaing, in the early afternoon, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock. The quake caused widespread destruction, including the collapse of buildings, bridges, and roads. In a shocking turn, a 30-story skyscraper under construction in Bangkok also fell, with at least three workers confirmed dead and many more feared trapped.
In Myanmar, the destruction is overwhelming, with the country’s healthcare system—already strained by ongoing civil conflict—unable to cope with the large number of casualties. The country has declared a state of emergency in the six most affected regions. Myanmar’s leader, Min Aung Hlaing, issued a rare plea for international aid, stating, “I would like to invite any country, any organization, or anyone in Myanmar to come and help.” He warned that the death toll is likely to rise, with over 700 confirmed injuries so far.
As night fell, rescue teams continued their search for survivors in Myanmar and Thailand. In Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital, medical teams treated hundreds of injured people in a makeshift triage area after the hospital’s emergency entrance collapsed. Meanwhile, in Thailand, rescuers worked tirelessly in Bangkok to locate survivors amid the rubble of the collapsed skyscraper.
The earthquake’s impact was also felt across neighboring countries, including China, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and India. Emergency responses from India, the European Union, and France are underway, with the World Health Organization mobilizing supplies from its Dubai hub to assist with the disaster.
In an unexpected show of support, Pope Francis expressed his sorrow over the devastation, sending condolences to the victims and their families. Earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively rare in Thailand, where many residents were left shocked and uncertain of how to respond.
