Strong earthquake hits Myanmar, death toll rises

The death toll has risen sharply to 694, with 1,670 injured, according to Myanmar’s military government.

International aid began arriving in Myanmar on Saturday as rescue teams searched for survivors following a powerful earthquake that devastated the country. The death toll has risen sharply to 694, with 1,670 injured, according to Myanmar’s military government, a significant increase from the 144 fatalities reported the previous day.

The quake caused severe damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings, leading to casualties. Authorities are actively conducting search and rescue operations in the affected areas. Junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing has called for international assistance, inviting all countries to provide aid and donations.

A Chinese rescue team arrived on Saturday with medical supplies and life-detection equipment. Meanwhile, Russia and the U.S. have also offered aid. The earthquake struck around midday on Friday, damaging hundreds of buildings in neighboring Thailand. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) predicts the death toll could exceed 10,000 and estimates economic losses may surpass Myanmar’s GDP. USGS scientist Susan Hough noted that while daytime earthquakes allow people to react faster, predicting the full impact remains difficult.

The city of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest, suffered significant destruction due to its proximity to the epicenter. In Bangkok, nearly 1,000 kilometers away, a major rescue effort is underway to locate construction workers trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed 33-story building.

A 37-member Chinese team landed in Yangon early Saturday, carrying medical supplies and equipment to detect signs of life. Russia announced it would send 120 rescuers, including doctors and search dogs. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed discussions with Myanmar officials and pledged support.

Hough, who has worked on Myanmar’s seismic activity, highlighted that the country’s mix of modern and traditional structures affects survival rates. Traditional wooden buildings are generally less hazardous than concrete structures during an earthquake.

In Bangkok, Thai authorities reported nine deaths and 101 missing individuals, mostly construction workers trapped in the collapsed tower. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt assured that every effort was being made to rescue those trapped, utilizing all available resources, including excavators and drones.

The Thai capital was brought to a standstill on Friday, with many residents spending the night in city parks due to safety concerns. However, officials report that conditions are gradually improving.