Myanmar’s ruling military announced on state television that the confirmed death toll from the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake has risen to 1,644. The figure increased significantly from the 1,002 deaths reported just hours earlier, emphasizing the challenges of verifying casualties across a widespread and severely affected region. Authorities fear that the number of fatalities could continue to rise as search and rescue teams recover more bodies from the debris of collapsed structures following the devastating quake.
The number of reported injuries has also surged, reaching 3,408, while 139 individuals remain missing. Rescue operations are underway, particularly in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and Naypyidaw, the nation’s capital. However, efforts to bring in aid and assistance from international teams have been hindered by extensive damage to airports in these cities, making it difficult for aircraft to land safely.
The earthquake struck midday on Friday (local time) near Mandalay and was followed by multiple aftershocks, the strongest of which measured 6.4 in magnitude. The seismic activity caused widespread devastation, leveling numerous buildings, crumbling roads, collapsing bridges, and even breaching a dam. In Naypyidaw, repair crews worked through Saturday to restore damaged infrastructure, but much of the city remained without electricity, internet, or phone service. Many of the fallen buildings included residential units for government workers, with authorities blocking access to these areas as investigations and rescue efforts continued.
Widespread Damage in Thailand
The powerful tremors were also felt in neighboring Thailand, where the earthquake rattled the densely populated greater Bangkok area, home to approximately 17 million residents, as well as other parts of the country.
In Bangkok, authorities confirmed that the death toll had risen to 10, with nine of the fatalities occurring at a high-rise construction site near the city’s well-known Chatuchak market, which collapsed due to the quake. At least 78 people remain unaccounted for as rescue teams continue to search through the rubble, holding on to hope that more survivors may still be found.
By Saturday, additional heavy machinery had been deployed to assist in clearing debris, though the likelihood of finding survivors was rapidly diminishing.
A Devastating Earthquake in a War-Torn Nation
Myanmar, also referred to as Burma, has been experiencing a prolonged civil war, creating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The conflict has made travel within the country both perilous and logistically challenging, further complicating ongoing relief operations. The lack of safe and accessible roads has raised concerns that the death toll could climb even higher as some affected areas remain difficult to reach.
The Myanmar government has acknowledged the urgent need for blood donations in the hardest-hit regions. In a rare move, Min Aung Hlaing, the country’s military leader, stated that Myanmar is open to receiving international assistance. This marks a shift from previous policies, as past governments have often been reluctant to accept foreign aid.
Myanmar’s military, which seized power in a coup in February 2021, continues to engage in violent conflicts with long-standing ethnic militias as well as newer pro-democracy groups. Even in the aftermath of the earthquake, military forces carried out airstrikes in northern Kayin State (also known as Karenni State) and southern Shan State, both of which border Mandalay, according to humanitarian worker Dave Eubank.
Eubank, a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier and founder of the Free Burma Rangers, reported that in the region where he was operating, most villages had already been devastated by military attacks before the earthquake struck. “When the quake hit, I was in the jungle. The trees swayed, but that was the extent of the impact for us. However, the Burmese military continues its assaults despite the disaster,” he said.
In northern Shan State, an airstrike hit a village controlled by rebel forces just minutes after the earthquake. The attack reportedly killed seven militia members and damaged five buildings, including a school, according to Mai Rukow, editor of the Shan-based online news agency Shwe Phee Myay.
Much of Myanmar is now under the control of resistance groups rather than the ruling military, making many regions dangerous or completely inaccessible for humanitarian organizations. According to United Nations estimates, more than three million people have been displaced due to ongoing conflict, and nearly 20 million are in urgent need of assistance.
Haider Yaqub, Myanmar country director for Plan International, an NGO based in Yangon, described the situation as unprecedented. “Although we are still assessing the full extent of the damage, most of us have never witnessed such widespread devastation before,” he said.
Airport Control Tower Collapses
Satellite images analyzed by Planet Labs PBC and reviewed by The Associated Press reveal that the earthquake caused the control tower at Naypyidaw International Airport to collapse entirely, as if severed from its base.
Debris from the top of the tower was scattered around the site, which had been responsible for overseeing all air traffic in the capital. It remains unclear whether any injuries were sustained by air traffic controllers who were likely inside the tower at the time of the earthquake.
International Aid Efforts
China and Russia, Myanmar’s two primary military allies and largest suppliers of weapons, were among the first nations to send humanitarian aid following the disaster.
China has dispatched over 135 rescue personnel, along with emergency supplies such as medical kits and generators, and pledged financial assistance totaling approximately $13.8 million. Additionally, Hong Kong sent a 51-member disaster response team to Myanmar.
Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that 120 rescuers and humanitarian supplies had been flown into Myanmar, while the Russian Health Ministry confirmed that a medical team had also been dispatched.
Other countries, including India and South Korea, have stepped up to provide assistance, while the United Nations has allocated $5 million to help fund relief efforts in the aftermath of the disaster.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington is prepared to contribute to the humanitarian response. However, some experts have voiced concerns about the effectiveness of such efforts, given the significant cuts to foreign aid implemented during his administration.
