More than 700 people have been confirmed dead following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that rocked central Myanmar and parts of Thailand on Friday, with rescue teams now racing to find survivors amid collapsed buildings and widespread devastation.
The quake struck near Sagaing, Myanmar, followed by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock, causing catastrophic damage especially in the Mandalay region, where over 690 people were killed and nearly 1,700 injured, according to Myanmar’s ruling military junta. In Bangkok, at least 10 deaths have been reported, primarily from the collapse of a 30-story building under construction.
With communication lines disrupted and infrastructure damaged, officials fear the final death toll could rise significantly. The quake, described by U.S. geologists as the strongest to hit Myanmar in over a century, also caused visible damage in Bangkok, where residents fled buildings in panic.
In Thailand’s capital, rescue teams continued overnight operations, searching for an estimated 100 missing workers trapped under the debris of the collapsed tower. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed the ongoing rescue efforts and said hundreds were forced to sleep outdoors after their homes were declared unsafe.
Dramatic scenes emerged, including hospital evacuations, rooftop pool water cascading down high-rises, and even emergency outdoor surgeries.
Back in Myanmar, the quake’s impact has overwhelmed the nation’s already fragile healthcare system, strained by years of civil conflict. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing issued a rare international appeal for aid—an unusual move from the often-isolated regime.
Hospitals were overwhelmed, with medics treating patients in open-air settings. Mandalay, home to over 1.7 million people, was especially hard-hit. Photos showed entire blocks flattened, with limited rescue crews available.
As international support begins to flow in, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would assist Myanmar in recovery efforts. India, France, the European Union, and the World Health Organization also pledged help.