Jamie Spencer
Major quake devastates Myanmar and parts of Thailand
A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and neighboring Thailand on Friday, claiming at least 144 lives in Myanmar and 10 more in Thailand. Buildings, a bridge, and a dam were destroyed, with hundreds more injured and dozens missing. The epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, triggering powerful aftershocks, including one measuring 6.4.
Myanmar’s ruling military confirmed 144 deaths and 730 injuries, warning that the toll is likely to rise. Rescue operations are ongoing in hard-hit cities like Mandalay and Naypyidaw, where civil servant housing blocks collapsed. Officials say blood donations are urgently needed, and Myanmar is open to receiving international assistance. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confirmed that aid mobilization is underway.
Infrastructure collapse worsens crisis
In Mandalay, the quake toppled major structures, including the Ma Soe Yane monastery and damaged the city’s royal palace. A dam burst, flooding low-lying areas, while a 90-year-old bridge in Sagaing collapsed. Highways linking Mandalay and Yangon were also damaged. In Naypyidaw, residents were seen pulling victims from rubble while others received care in makeshift triage areas.
The disaster compounds an already dire humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, which has been embroiled in civil war since the 2021 military coup. Aid access remains limited, with over 3 million people displaced and 20 million in need of assistance, according to the UN.
Bangkok building collapse adds to tragedy
In Bangkok, a 33-story high-rise under construction collapsed, killing at least 10 and injuring 16. Over 100 workers remain missing. The collapse sent a massive cloud of dust across the city and forced authorities to shut down mass transit systems. Emergency crews continue search and rescue operations at the site.
Eyewitnesses described panic and chaos. Tourists and locals fled buildings and malls as structures swayed and items fell. “In my lifetime, there was no earthquake like this in Bangkok,” said one office worker.
Shockwaves reach China
In China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, tremors were felt and injuries reported, especially in Ruili, near the Myanmar border. Videos showed debris-strewn streets and emergency services responding. Residents in Mangshi described the shaking as so intense that people were unable to stand.
