At least 144 people have lost their lives, and more than 730 have been injured following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, as reported by the head of the country’s military government.
A subsequent aftershock, registering a 6.4 magnitude, also struck Myanmar, with tremors felt in Thailand and China. The quake caused buildings to collapse hundreds of miles away, including in Thailand.
In Myanmar’s capital, at least three fatalities have been confirmed, and authorities are working urgently to rescue 81 people trapped beneath the debris of an under-construction high-rise.
Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest nations, is facing ongoing challenges due to a civil war that erupted after a military coup in 2021. The country’s weak infrastructure is ill-equipped for dealing with major natural disasters. Furthermore, many areas are controlled by militias, complicating efforts to gather accurate information. Communication in conflict zones is often disrupted by the military.
The situation remains fluid, and more updates are expected.
