RNS: Over 160 people were killed and hundreds injured after six earthquakes, including one with a powerful 7.7 magnitude struck Myanmar and Thailand this afternoon (at 12.50 pm local time) on Friday.
At least 144 people have been confirmed dead, and over 700 others have been injured as multiple tremors rocked both countries.
In Myanmar, the country’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, confirmed that the majority of casualties occurred in Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, and Mandalay. At least 96 people were killed in Nay Pyi Taw, 18 in Sagaing, and 30 in Mandalay, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
Authorities are also assessing damage in other regions. The earthquake caused significant destruction, including the collapse of historical sites in Mandalay and a 90-year-old bridge in Sagaing. Additionally, power outages and infrastructure damage have hampered rescue efforts. The Myanmar government has issued an appeal for blood donations in the affected areas.
In Thailand, the earthquake led to the collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok, killing at least three people. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed the deaths and reported that 90 people remain missing.
Many buildings were reportedly destroyed in the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar.
Video showing people being rescued from the rubles of the collapsed buildings.
Pray for Myanmar
#Myanmar #earthquake #แผ่นดินไหว pic.twitter.com/7yPoGXMBvK
— Sumit (@SumitHansd) March 28, 2025
Seven survivors have been rescued, but unstable rubble is slowing down further rescue operations. The tremors caused widespread panic, with buildings swaying and people evacuating offices, malls, and apartments.
The city’s transit system was shut down, and roads were severely congested. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention reported that the earthquake was felt across nearly all regions of the country.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has called for an emergency meeting to assess the damage and coordinate further response efforts.
