Naypyitaw/ Bangkok (Web Desk): A powerful earthquake of 7.7 magnitude struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of over 150 people, according to official reports.
The tremor, which occurred around midday, was centered near Mandalay, located about 17 km from the city.
This historic city, the ancient royal capital of Myanmar, witnessed the collapse of buildings, bridges, and roads, leaving a trail of devastation.
The impact was felt across Southeast Asia, with Thailand also suffering from the quake’s effects.
In the Thai capital of Bangkok, a construction site experienced a catastrophic collapse, trapping dozens, with reports indicating at least five fatalities and 117 people still missing.
Mandalay, with its deep historical and cultural significance as a center of Myanmar’s Buddhist heritage, appeared to bear the brunt of the earthquake’s force.
Videos and images shared online showed scenes of buildings flattened to rubble, including a clock tower and part of the wall near the Mandalay Palace, both of which had crumbled.
The destruction was widespread, and residents reported significant damage throughout the city.
In Myanmar’s central regions, rescue efforts have been ongoing, though they are complicated by the country’s ongoing internal conflict.
In the town of Pyinmanar, not far from the capital Naypyidaw, at least 60 bodies were recovered from collapsed structures, and many more are feared to be trapped beneath the rubble.
With more than 700 reported injuries, the full extent of the damage is still unfolding, and the number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue teams continue their search.
The quake’s devastation also spread to other regions in Myanmar, with reports of fatalities and serious damage in places like Taungoo, where a mosque partially collapsed, killing at least three people.
Meanwhile, in Aung Ban, a hotel caved in, leaving 20 people trapped and at least two dead. In the capital, Naypyidaw, the quake left a cratered roof at a local market, and people across Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, scrambled to evacuate as buildings swayed and trembled.
The rescue and relief efforts face additional challenges due to Myanmar’s unstable political situation.
The military junta’s struggle to quell insurgent activity could further hinder the movement of aid and personnel, making the recovery process even more difficult.
Despite these hurdles, the global community is likely to rally in support as the region copes with the aftermath of this catastrophic natural disaster.
