The death toll from Myanmar’s devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake has risen to over 1,700, with 3,400 people injured and more than 300 still missing, according to the military government. The earthquake, one of the most powerful to hit the country in a century, struck on Friday, causing widespread destruction.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing warned that the number of casualties could rise further, as reported by state media. His request for international assistance three days ago has led to aid and rescue teams arriving from India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia. However, residents in Mandalay and Sagaing report that international relief efforts have yet to reach them, leading to critical shortages of food, water, and electricity. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has highlighted the growing humanitarian crisis.
The United States has pledged $2 million in aid through Myanmar-based humanitarian organizations and is deploying an emergency response team from USAID. The earthquake has worsened Myanmar’s existing struggles, as the country remains gripped by a civil war following the 2021 military coup.
Damage to key infrastructure, including highways, railways, bridges, and airports, has significantly hampered rescue and relief efforts. The military council has restricted access to international journalists, citing a lack of electricity, water, and accommodation. The US Geological Survey warns that the death toll could exceed 10,000, with potential economic losses surpassing Myanmar’s annual GDP.
Hospitals in central and northwestern Myanmar, including Mandalay and Naypyitaw, are overwhelmed with injured patients. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that many hospitals have suffered structural damage, forcing patients to remain outside. In Mandalay, monk Ashin Pawara noted that people are sleeping on the streets due to fears of further building collapses.
The earthquake also impacted Thailand, where a collapsed skyscraper in Bangkok killed 18 people. Rescue teams are working around the clock to locate those trapped under the debris.
In response to the disaster, Myanmar’s opposition National Unity Government has announced a two-week pause in military operations by anti-junta militias. Meanwhile, Sagaing, one of the hardest-hit regions, faces severe devastation, with collapsed buildings and dwindling essential resources. The destruction of a key bridge connecting Sagaing to Mandalay has further complicated aid distribution.
Rescue efforts in Mandalay continue, but many people remain trapped under rubble, with a lack of heavy machinery slowing down operations. Humanitarian workers are relying on basic tools to clear debris and locate survivors. The World Health Organization has reported damage to healthcare facilities in the region.
In Bangkok, rescue operations are ongoing at the site of the collapsed skyscraper. Thai police commander Teerasak Thongmo emphasized the critical need to find survivors within the first 72 hours.
