Bangkok (Agencies): The confirmed death toll from Myanmar’s devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake has surged to 1,644, the country’s military government announced on Saturday. The sharp increase comes as more bodies are being recovered from the rubble of collapsed buildings, with the number of injured now standing at 3,408 and at least 139 people still missing.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, particularly in the worst-hit cities of Mandalay and Naypyitaw. However, damaged airports in these regions have made it difficult for international aid teams and equipment to reach affected areas. Myanmar’s ongoing civil war has further complicated relief efforts, limiting movement and raising concerns that the death toll may continue to rise.
The earthquake struck on Friday near Mandalay, triggering widespread destruction, including road and bridge collapses, as well as damage to a dam. Several powerful aftershocks followed, including one measuring 6.4-magnitude, further worsening the situation. In Naypyitaw, repair crews are working to restore damaged roads, while power, phone, and internet services remain down across much of the city.
In neighboring Thailand, tremors were felt across the country, including in Bangkok, where a high-rise under construction collapsed near the popular Chatuchak Market, killing at least 10 people. Rescue teams are still searching for 78 missing individuals, though hopes of finding survivors are fading. Many northern Thai provinces reported structural damage to homes, hospitals, and temples, but casualties outside Bangkok have been minimal.
Seismologists note that Myanmar sits along the active Sagaing Fault, making earthquakes relatively common. However, the intense shaking in densely populated areas, where many buildings are made of timber and unreinforced brick masonry, has resulted in widespread devastation.
China and Russia, Myanmar’s largest arms suppliers, were among the first to provide humanitarian aid. China has sent over 135 rescue personnel along with medical supplies, generators, and $13.8 million in emergency aid. Russia has deployed 120 rescuers and medical teams. Additional assistance is coming from India, South Korea, and the United Nations, which has allocated $5 million for relief efforts.
U.S. President Donald Trump has also pledged support, but concerns remain over how much aid will be provided, given his administration’s significant cuts to foreign assistance programs.
As recovery efforts continue, international teams and local authorities are racing against time to provide aid and rescue those still trapped under the rubble. However, the scale of destruction and logistical challenges suggest that the full impact of the disaster is yet to be realized.