7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Myanmar and Thailand, Killing Over 150 People

A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, March 28th, killing more than 150 people and causing widespread destruction. The 7.7-magnitude quake, followed by a strong aftershock of 6.4 magnitude, collapsed buildings, bridges, and a dam, leaving rescue teams struggling to reach affected areas.

Myanmar bore the brunt of the disaster, with at least 144 deaths and more than 730 injuries reported. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing warned that the toll could rise as search efforts continued. The earthquake caused significant damage in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and the capital, Naypyidaw, where buildings housing civil servants crumbled. A dam burst, flooding low-lying areas, while a 90-year-old bridge in the Sagaing region collapsed. Rescue workers faced difficulties navigating damaged highways and downed power lines.

In Thailand, at least eight people died, including three who were inside a 33-story building under construction in Bangkok when it collapsed. Video footage was captured when the crane-topped structure crumbled into a massive cloud of dust near the city’s Chatuchak market, sending bystanders into panic. Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reported that 90 people were still missing, while emergency teams pulled at least seven survivors from the rubble.

Bangkok, home to more than 17 million people, experienced widespread panic as buildings swayed and sirens blared. The elevated train and subway systems shut down temporarily, leaving streets gridlocked. Witnesses described their fear as the tremors intensified. “I just thought I was dizzy,” recalled April Kanichawanakul, who works in an office building. “Then I realized the whole building was moving.”

The earthquake was also felt in China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, where buildings were damaged, and injuries were reported in the city bordering Ruili. Social media footage showed debris-strewn streets and rescue workers assisting the injured.

Myanmar’s government declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Naypyidaw and Mandalay. The country, already grappling with a civil war, faced additional challenges in delivering aid to remote and conflict-ridden areas. The International Federation of the Red Cross warned of significant humanitarian needs, citing damage to public infrastructure and concerns over large-scale displacement.

With rescue efforts underway, authorities in both Myanmar and Thailand continued to assess the full extent of the destruction.

Maria Cruz

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