Mandalay: Myanmar’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has reported a total of 36 aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 2.8 to 7.5, as of Monday morning. These aftershocks struck after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar at 12:51 p.m. local time last Friday, according to Xinhua news agency.
The earthquake has had a devastating impact, resulting in approximately 1,700 fatalities, 3,400 injuries, and 300 individuals reported missing, as stated by the country’s State Administration Council on Sunday.
The quake was followed shortly by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock just minutes later, affecting Myanmar’s Mandalay region and causing significant casualties and destruction across multiple countries. The epicenter was located about 20 km from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million.
In response to the disaster, the National Disaster Management Committee declared a state of emergency across several regions, including Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, the northeastern part of Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw, and Bago Region.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and international relief efforts are being rapidly organized to meet the urgent needs of those affected by the earthquake.
Many key roads connecting Mandalay to southern Yangon have been damaged or blocked, and airports in both Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw have suspended operations, leading to the cancellation of all flights.
Images and videos shared on social media have shown extensive structural damage to buildings, temples, and numerous historical sites in the Mandalay area, including the Mandalay Palace and the Mahamuni Pagoda.
This earthquake is noted as the strongest recorded so far this year, according to the United States Geological Survey. Tremors were also felt in neighboring countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and southwest China.
In Thailand, the earthquake resulted in 10 fatalities and 42 injuries, with 78 individuals still missing in Bangkok as reported by authorities on Saturday. Following the quake, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in the capital. Significant tremors were experienced in northern provinces such as Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, where some tourist destinations in the Pai District have collapsed.
In response to the catastrophic situation in Myanmar, India promptly dispatched rescue teams and humanitarian aid to assist with evacuation efforts and support those who have been displaced.
