Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand: Over 1,600 Dead, International Aid Requested

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck northwestern Myanmar on Friday, March 28, followed by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock just minutes later. The latest death toll announced by the ruling junta has risen to over 1,600, with thousands more injured. The tremors also affected Thailand and neighboring countries, causing significant destruction. In response to the scale of the disaster, Myanmar has issued an appeal for international aid.

Rising Death Toll

Authorities in Myanmar initially reported 1,002 deaths and 2,376 injuries, but the toll quickly climbed to 1,644 confirmed fatalities by Saturday, March 29. A state of emergency has been declared in several regions, particularly in Mandalay, where a 12-story building collapsed, trapping dozens of people under the rubble.

In Thailand, a 30-story building under construction collapsed in Bangkok, killing several people and leaving dozens of workers trapped. Rescuers are using thermal cameras in an effort to locate survivors.

A High-Risk Seismic Zone

The earthquake’s epicenter is located on the Sagaing Fault, one of the world’s most dangerous fault lines, running 1,200 km from northern to southern Myanmar. The tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, over 1,000 km away, as well as in China, India, Laos, and Cambodia.

This is the strongest earthquake recorded in Myanmar in decades. It comes at a time when the country is already weakened by four years of civil war, which have severely impacted medical infrastructure and emergency response services.

Widespread Damage

In Myanmar, entire buildings were reduced to rubble in Mandalay and Sagaing. The nearly 100-year-old Ava Bridge collapsed, and Mandalay Airport sustained heavy damage, complicating relief efforts. In the capital, Naypyidaw, roads cracked, and hospitals were forced to treat patients outside due to the destruction of emergency entrances.

In Thailand, authorities ordered evacuations in Bangkok, where hundreds of people spent the night outdoors, fearing aftershocks.

International Aid Efforts

In response to the disaster, Myanmar’s military junta has requested international assistance. Several countries, including India, the United States, China, and the European Union, have pledged support. India has already sent a military aircraft carrying relief supplies and rescue teams.

However, delivering aid poses a major logistical challenge due to damaged infrastructure and ongoing political tensions. The WHO has warned of a “very serious” humanitarian and health crisis, while humanitarian organizations are working to mobilize resources to assist those affected.