A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, leaving at least 144 people dead and more than 730 injured, according to the country’s military government. The disaster was followed by a strong aftershock measuring 6.4 in magnitude, with tremors felt as far as Thailand and China.
The earthquake caused extensive damage, bringing down buildings across Myanmar and even in parts of Thailand. In the nation’s capital, at least three people were confirmed dead, while emergency workers are racing to rescue 81 individuals trapped under the rubble of an under-construction high-rise.
Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest nations, has been struggling with an ongoing civil war since a military coup in 2021. The country’s weak infrastructure has made disaster response efforts even more difficult. Large areas are controlled by militias, making it challenging to obtain accurate information. Government-imposed communication blackouts in conflict zones have further complicated relief operations.
Rescue teams are continuing their efforts to clear debris and provide aid to survivors as authorities assess the full extent of the devastation.
