Naypyidaw [Myanmar]: The death toll from the recent magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar has surged to 694, with 1,670 individuals reported injured, according to the country’s military junta. This data pertains solely to the Mandalay region, which is near the earthquake’s epicenter.
The junta also reported that 68 people are currently missing in the Mandalay area. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has projected that the total death toll from the central Myanmar earthquake could surpass 10,000, based on preliminary modeling released on Friday. The USGS has issued a red alert regarding the anticipated fatalities, indicating “high casualties and extensive damage.” Following the disaster, Myanmar’s military has appealed for international aid.
Tremors from the earthquake were felt across rural villages affected by Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict, as well as in the high-rises of Bangkok, Thailand, and even in Yunnan province, China. Since the initial quake, there have been at least 14 aftershocks, with tremors mostly registering between magnitudes 3 and 5. The strongest aftershock was a magnitude 6.7 tremor, occurring about ten minutes after the major earthquake.
Two significant aftershocks, measuring 4.9 and 6.7, were reported approximately 20 miles from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, which experienced considerable damage. Other tremors spread north and south from the main quake.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced that its ground teams are preparing to provide humanitarian support in response to the earthquake’s impact on Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. A post on X from UNICEF expressed deep concern for the devastating effects on children and families affected by the disaster, highlighting the agency’s ongoing assessments and preparations for aid.
In Bangkok, at least 10 fatalities, 16 injuries, and 101 individuals missing were reported at three construction sites, including the collapse of a 30-story government building, according to Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej.
Pasakorn Boonyalak, the director-general of Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, noted that damages had been reported in Bangkok and 10 other provinces, including Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.
On Saturday, Thailand’s Meteorological Department detected two additional earthquakes in Mae Hong Son, including a 4.1 magnitude quake in the Pai district and a 2.0 quake shortly thereafter.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra urged the public to remain calm and stay informed after an urgent meeting in Phuket. She advised everyone to rely on official channels to avoid misinformation and panic, stating that the state-owned broadcaster NBT would provide verified updates. The government has yet to assess the extent of the damage caused by the tremors affecting several regions in northern and central Thailand.
