Crystabel Ukwuegbu
A devastating earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction and loss of life across the region. The powerful tremor has claimed the lives of more than 140 individuals, with officials cautioning that the number could rise further. In Thailand, at least six fatalities were reported in Bangkok after an under-construction high-rise building collapsed. The full impact of the disaster remains uncertain, particularly in Myanmar, where an ongoing civil war has made information difficult to obtain.
Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, announced on national television that at least 144 people had lost their lives, while around 730 others sustained injuries.
Impact in Thailand
In Bangkok, Thai officials confirmed six deaths, 22 injuries, and 101 missing persons linked to three construction sites, including the collapsed high-rise. Initially, authorities reported 10 casualties, but later revised the count, as some critically injured individuals were mistakenly recorded as deceased. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt expressed hope that more survivors would be found as rescue operations continued.
The earthquake, measured at 7.7 magnitude, struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and was followed by strong aftershocks, one of which registered at 6.4 magnitude. Myanmar sits in an active seismic zone, but previous earthquakes have mostly affected remote areas rather than densely populated cities.
Devastation in Myanmar
The U.S. Geological Survey projected that the death toll might surpass 1,000. Reports from Mandalay indicate severe damage, including the collapse of one of the city’s largest monasteries. Images from the capital, Naypyidaw, showed emergency responders rescuing victims from crumbled structures housing government employees. Authorities in Myanmar emphasized an urgent need for blood donations in the hardest-hit areas.
Despite Myanmar’s historical reluctance to accept international aid, Min Aung Hlaing declared the country open to assistance. A 37-member rescue team from China’s Yunnan province arrived in Yangon early Saturday with emergency equipment, including earthquake detectors and drones. Russia deployed two planes carrying 120 rescue workers and essential supplies. India also contributed search and rescue personnel, medical teams, and emergency provisions such as blankets, tarps, and food packages. Malaysia announced plans to send 50 responders on Sunday to assist in relief efforts.
The United Nations allocated $5 million for immediate disaster relief. While U.S. officials pledged support, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of their response due to budget reductions in foreign aid.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
Infrastructure damage, including collapsed bridges and blocked roads, is hampering rescue missions. A dam breach in one of the affected areas led to rising floodwaters, exacerbating the crisis. The International Rescue Committee’s Myanmar director, Mohammed Riyas, expressed fears that it could take weeks to fully assess the scale of destruction.
According to Myanmar’s state newspaper, Global New Light of Myanmar, multiple towns experienced structural collapses. Among the damaged infrastructure was a bridge linking Mandalay to Yangon. Video footage showed monks in Mandalay witnessing the sudden collapse of the Ma Soe Yane monastery, though it remains unclear if there were casualties. Additionally, a historic royal palace suffered visible damage.
Worsening Humanitarian Situation
Even before the earthquake, Myanmar was grappling with conflict and displacement. The United Nations estimates that over 3 million people have been forced to flee their homes, with nearly 20 million requiring humanitarian assistance. The military government, which seized power in 2021, has lost control of significant parts of the country, making relief efforts more complex.
Bangkok’s High-Rise Disaster
In Thailand, the earthquake caused the collapse of a 33-story building near Bangkok’s bustling Chatuchak market. Video footage captured the moment the structure crumbled into a massive dust cloud, sending onlookers into panic. Nearby highways came to a standstill, and emergency sirens blared throughout the city. Rescue workers scrambled to reach trapped victims as towering piles of debris loomed over them.
For Bangkok residents, the tremor was an unprecedented event. Voranoot Thirawat, a lawyer in the city center, recounted feeling the building sway before she and her colleagues rushed down 12 flights of stairs. Tourists also experienced the shock firsthand. Scottish visitor Fraser Morton described how a shopping mall began to shake, causing widespread panic. English tourist Paul Vincent saw high-rise buildings swaying, with rooftop pools spilling over and distressed pedestrians filling the streets.
Tremors Felt in China
The powerful quake extended its impact beyond Myanmar and Thailand, reaching China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. Reports from Ruili, a city bordering Myanmar, confirmed injuries and structural damage. In Mangshi, located 100 kilometers northeast of Ruili, the tremors were so intense that residents struggled to stay on their feet.
With ongoing rescue operations and emergency aid flowing in, the affected nations face an uphill battle in recovering from one of the most devastating earthquakes to hit Southeast Asia in recent years.
