The death toll in Myanmar from a devastating 7.7-magnitude shallow earthquake surpassed 700 on Saturday. Rescue teams worked tirelessly, sifting through the rubble in a race against time to find survivors. However, the true scale of the disaster could be far worse. According to predictive modelling by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), fatalities may exceed 10,000, with economic losses potentially surpassing the nation’s entire gross domestic product.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar northwest of Sagaing city early in the afternoon, followed closely by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock.?
According to US geologists, it was the strongest quake to hit the country in over a century.?
The tremors were so intense that buildings swayed in Bangkok, hundreds of kilometers away from the epicentre.
Myanmar bore the brunt of the destruction, with collapsed buildings, damaged bridges, and crumpled roads reported across the country, particularly in Mandalay, the nation's second-largest city.?
Years of civil war following a military coup had already weakened Myanmar's healthcare and emergency response systems, leaving authorities struggling to handle the crisis.
The ruling junta confirmed at least 694 deaths and nearly 1,700 injuries in the Mandalay region, the worst-hit area, while around 10 fatalities were reported in Bangkok.?
However, with communications severely disrupted and many areas still cut off, the true scale of the disaster remains uncertain, and the death toll is expected to rise significantly.
In Bangkok, a 30-story skyscraper crumbled in seconds due to the powerful tremors. The under-construction high-rise was reduced to a heap of rubble and twisted metal, leaving many trapped inside.?
Rescuers worked tirelessly through the night, searching for workers buried beneath the debris.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that around 10 people had lost their lives across the city, with most fatalities linked to the building collapse. However, authorities fear the toll could rise as nearly 100 workers remain unaccounted for.
Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in six of the hardest-hit regions following the devastating earthquake.
A doctor quoted by AFP said, "I haven't seen (something) like this before. We are trying to handle the situation. I'm so exhausted now."
In a rare move, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing called for international aid, an unusual step for Myanmar's military rulers, who have historically resisted foreign assistance even after major disasters.
International relief efforts have already begun. A 37-member Chinese rescue team arrived in Yangon on Saturday, bringing medical supplies and life-detection equipment, according to a statement from the Chinese embassy.?
Russia also announced it would deploy 120 experienced rescuers, along with medical teams and search dogs, as reported by state agency TASS.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he had spoken with officials in Myanmar and confirmed that his administration would be extending assistance in response to the crisis.
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