A terrifying 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction and casualties across both nations. The devastation from the earthquake was further intensified when the tremor triggered aftershocks, with one measuring 6.4.
More than 100 deaths have been confirmed, a toll that may drastically increase as they continue to recover people from the earthquake’s rumble. The tremor’s epicentre is located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. Several buildings, bridges, and even a historic monastery were completely destroyed, which were captured in videos circulating on social media. Residents in the areas affected were also filmed fleeing places as buildings collapsed.
A catastrophic scene has been left behind in Myanmar from the disaster. Authorities reported at least 144 fatalities and around 730 injuries. The authorities say the actual death toll is likely higher due to the ongoing civil strife and limited information coming out of the country.
The level of destruction in the two cities hit hardest is evident in the emerging footage, showing buildings reduced to rubble and a prominent monastery collapsed. There are rescue operations underway in the capital, Naypyidaw. The military government, led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, said that the damaged roads, a burst dam, and collapsed bridges in the affected areas make it difficult for relief teams to reach isolated areas. He warned that this could cause the death toll to climb higher.
The earthquake was felt across the border in Thailand, particularly in the capital of Bangkok. Footage emerged showing a 33-story building under construction crumbling and a cloud of dust rising into the air. The falling building, located at the Chatuchak market, crumbled, sending construction workers running away in fear. At least 10 people were killed and 16 injured, and 101 people are still missing from several construction sites, according to city officials.
In Myanmar, robed monks filmed the collapsed Ma Soe Yane monastery, and in Yangon, frightened residents fled their homes amid falling debris. Experts have said that it would likely take weeks to get to know the full scale of the disaster.
Meanwhile, international aid efforts are underway, with the United Nations allocating $5 million to kickstart relief operations in Myanmar. This country has been facing a huge humanitarian crisis for years due to ongoing conflict, with millions already in need of help.
