Rescue operations underway after the earthquake – death toll rises in Myanmar and Thailand

The death toll continues to rise after the powerful the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand on Friday. According to Myanmar's state television, at least 144 people have died and more than 700 have been injured in Myanmar. The country's leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, warned in the evening that the number is expected to rise as rescue workers reach remote areas. Aid organizations fear that the death toll could be in the thousands, as many victims are still trapped under rubble. In Thailand, at least nine people have been reported dead in the capital Bangkok, where several high-rise buildings were shaken by the quake.

Devastation in Myanmar

The earthquake in Myanmar had a magnitude of 7,7 and occurred in Sagaingregion in central Myanmar, near the country's second largest city Mandalay .... The quake was followed twelve minutes later by an aftershock of 6,4. The powerful tremors caused extensive destruction. In Mandalay ... buildings collapsed, roads cracked and people were forced to flee their homes. Even in the capital Naypyidaw Residential buildings have been destroyed, and rescue teams are working under difficult conditions.

Infrastructure has been hit hard – a 90-year-old bridge has collapsed, highways have been destroyed and some villages are completely isolated. In the city Taungoo three people died when a mosque collapsed, and in Aungban A hotel collapsed, causing deaths and injuries. Power outages and communication disruptions are rapidly worsening the humanitarian situation. Thousands of Myanmar residents are spending the nights outdoors, fearful of aftershocks.

Skyscraper collapse in Bangkok

The earthquake was felt throughout Thailand, and even in Bangkok – over 1000 kilometres from the epicentre – it created panic. Skyscrapers swayed, rooftop swimming pools flooded and thousands of people were evacuated. The most serious impact in Thailand occurred in Chatuchakdistrict, where a 33-story building under construction collapsed. At least eight people died, while many are still missing.

Rescue efforts in Bangkok are ongoing around the clock. Authorities have declared a state of emergency and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has issued directives to mobilize all available personnel. Public transport was temporarily closed but is now back in service. Residents of high-rise buildings are urged to check their buildings for cracks.

Rescue operations and international assistance

The military junta in Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Sagaing and Mandalay .... Hospitals are overcrowded and there is an urgent need for blood donors. International aid efforts are underway, including from the UN and neighboring countries such as Thailand, China and India offered support. Organizations such as the Red Cross and WHO have warned that the already vulnerable population is now in an extremely difficult situation.

In Thailand, rescue workers continue to search for survivors in the collapsed building in Bangkok. At the same time, the government is prepared to assist Myanmar with additional support if the situation worsens. The medical service in Bangkok has been put on standby and can receive more injured people.

Aftershocks and continued preparedness

Several aftershocks have been recorded in the region, increasing the risk of further landslides and destruction. Authorities in both Thailand and Myanmar are urging residents to stay away from damaged buildings and be prepared for new tremors. The situation in Bangkok is stable, but concerns are evident. In Myanmar, there is particular concern about dams and bridges that could give way in the event of new tremors. Technical experts have been sent to inspect bridges, dam buildings and high-rise buildings to assess their safety after the quake.

This earthquake in Southeast Asia is the most powerful to hit Myanmar in decades and has also raised concerns in Thailand. The region lies on the seismically active Sagaing Fault, where the risk of major earthquakes is recurrent. The authorities' focus is now on saving lives, restoring social functions and coordinating international support.

Read more:

• Powerful earthquake in Myanmar felt in Thailand – skyscraper collapses in Bangkok
• Update: Earthquake Myanmar – thousands feared dead

Text: The editorial staff

Image license: Thailand Info