144 Dead In Myanmar, 732 Injured; 8 Killed In Bangkok Building Collapse
144 people have been killed in Myanmar after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock, struck on Friday, toppling buildings, collapsing bridges, and damaging historic structures. Head of Myanmar’s military government confirmed 144 deaths in Myanmar, with reports warning that the toll may rise as several areas remain inaccessible. The ruling military junta in Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in several areas, and sought immediate help from nations. However, information about the extent of destruction still remains unclear.
Myanmar’s state-run MRTV reported that at least 144 people have been killed and 732 injured so far, and the head of Myanmar’s military government confirmed the numbers. Meanwhile, a United States government agency, after analysing the earthquake’s strength and depth, warned that the death toll could be in the thousands, with severe economic losses. At least eight people were killed, and dozens of workers were rescued from under the rubble of a skyscraper that was under construction in Bangkok. Around 117 people are still believed to be trapped, and a massive rescue operation is underway. Another person was killed at a different location in Thailand.
The earthquake caused the collapse of buildings in five cities and towns, as well as a railway bridge and a road bridge on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway. The iconic 90-year-old Ava Bridge in Mandalay collapsed into the Irrawaddy River following the powerful earthquake. Visuals have also surfaced showing a collapsed clock tower and damaged sections of the historic Mandalay Palace.
Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Sagaing, Mandalay, and the capital Naypyitaw, following a powerful earthquake on Friday. Authorities are prioritising rescue operations, but with several bridges damaged, reaching multiple affected areas — home to thousands of internally displaced people has become a challenging task.
In the Mandalay Region, a tea shop collapsed, leaving several people trapped inside. Locals informed the news agency that they were unable to enter due to the “very bad” situation. Meanwhile, a hotel in Shan State was reduced to rubble, with reports indicating that two people had died and 20 others were trapped. Tremors were also felt in several parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram, though no casualties have been reported so far. Similarly, strong tremors were experienced in southwest China’s Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar, but no casualties have been reported there either, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.
Mild tremors were also felt in Kolkata, Imphal and Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills district. However, according to official sources, there were no reports of damage to property or loss of life in the city due to the tremor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed concern over the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, and said India stands ready to offer all possible assistance to the two countries. “India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand,” he said.