Six Earthquakes:More than 1000 dead over two thousand injured in Maynmar, Thiland and China: Mild Tremors reported from Kolkata, Manipur, Dhaka and Chattogram in Bangladesh in India

A series of devastating earthquakes struck central Myanmar on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction and loss in their wake. The largest tremor, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, hit near the Sagaing region, triggering widespread panic and significant casualties. According to Myanmar’s state-run broadcaster MRTV, the disaster has already claimed over 1,000 lives, with more than 2,000 others sustaining injuries of varying severity. Officials fear that these numbers may continue to rise as search and rescue operations progress.

The death toll includes victims from a hospital in the capital city of Naypyidaw, where doctors have warned that the facility is expected to become a “mass casualty area.” The devastation extended to Mandalay, where a mosque collapsed while worshippers were inside for prayers, and a fire broke out in a university building, causing further destruction.

In response to the escalating crisis, Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlain, declared a state of emergency, appealing for international assistance. He urged “any country and any organization” to provide aid, acknowledging the immense challenges in dealing with the catastrophe. Given the severity of the situation, aid groups and emergency responders are being mobilized to provide urgent relief to affected areas.

The earthquake’s impact was not confined to Myanmar alone. The tremors were felt across several neighboring countries, causing widespread concern. Northern Thailand experienced strong shocks, prompting authorities to suspend metro and rail services in Bangkok temporarily. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra cut short an official visit to Phuket to convene an emergency meeting and later declared a state of emergency in the affected areas. The death toll in Thailand currently stands at eight, with many more reported injured.

China also experienced the tremors, particularly in its Yunnan province, where the China Earthquake Networks Center recorded the earthquake’s magnitude as 7.9. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported from China thus far. Similarly, the tremors reached as far as eastern India, where moderate seismic activity of 4.4 magnitude was recorded in Manipur. Residents in Kolkata and parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram, also felt the earthquake.

In response to the disaster, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his support, stating that India is prepared to offer any necessary assistance. “Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the earthquake,” Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I have directed authorities to remain on standby for any required aid.” Leaders from various European nations, as well as the United States, have also stepped forward to offer their assistance.

Terrifying footage shared on social media captured the chaos unfolding in real time. In Bangkok, buildings swayed violently, sending people running into the streets in fear. One viral video depicted water from an infinity pool cascading over its edge, demonstrating the sheer force of the tremors. Another shocking clip showed a 30-floor under-construction skyscraper in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district collapsing, trapping 84 workers inside. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed the incident, while Deputy Police Chief Worapat Sukthai described the harrowing scene: “When I arrived to inspect the site, I heard people calling for help, crying out for rescue.” At least three deaths have been confirmed from this site alone, while hundreds more are believed to be injured.

Hospitals in Myanmar, particularly in Naypyidaw, have been overwhelmed with casualties. The entrance arch of the emergency department at one facility collapsed onto a parked car, forcing medical staff to treat patients outside in makeshift conditions. Adding to the disaster, an old bridge spanning the Irrawaddy River gave way, and several residential buildings crumbled, further worsening the humanitarian crisis. Footage from Mandalay revealed the scale of the destruction, with reports suggesting that many individuals remain trapped under debris.

The earthquake also inflicted severe damage on Mandalay’s airport and a historic monastery near Taunggyi in Shan State, close to the Thai border. Emergency response teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors, but the situation remains critical. Damage to major roadways, including those connecting Mandalay to Yangon, has hampered relief efforts, making it challenging to deliver essential supplies and medical assistance to affected regions.

Myanmar is no stranger to earthquakes, given its location along the Sagaing Fault, which runs north to south through the country. Between 1930 and 1956, six significant earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.0 or higher struck this region. In 2016, a 6.8-magnitude quake hit the ancient city of Bagan, killing three people and causing extensive damage to historic temples and monuments. Despite this history of seismic activity, Myanmar’s infrastructure remains vulnerable, particularly in rural areas where medical facilities are already strained.

The country’s struggling healthcare system is ill-equipped to handle such large-scale disasters, exacerbating the plight of those affected. Given the limited resources and ongoing political turmoil, international aid will be crucial in supporting Myanmar through this crisis. Relief organizations, foreign governments, and humanitarian agencies are expected to play a key role in providing medical assistance, food, and temporary shelter to the thousands displaced by the disaster.

As rescue operations continue, the full extent of the devastation remains unclear. For now, Myanmar and its neighboring nations are grappling with the aftermath of one of the most powerful earthquakes in recent history, hoping for swift relief and recovery.