GUWAHATI: The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand has risen to over 700, with rescue teams working tirelessly to locate survivors beneath the wreckage of collapsed structures.
ALSO READ: On What Grounds Was Bail Granted To Assam Journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder?
According to Myanmar’s military government, at least 694 people have reportedly lost their lives and nearly 1,700 have sustained injuries in the Mandalay region—Myanmar’s second-largest city and near the quake’s epicenter. The updated figures, released on Saturday, mark a significant increase from the previously reported 144 fatalities.
In Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, located approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the epicenter, authorities have confirmed around 10 deaths.
“Myanmar has suffered severe damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries. Search and rescue teams are actively working in affected areas,” the military statement read.
The earthquake, measuring 7.7 in magnitude, struck northwest of Sagaing in central Myanmar on Friday afternoon, followed shortly by a powerful 6.7 aftershock. The tremors caused widespread destruction, toppling buildings, collapsing bridges, and severely damaging roads. Due to communication challenges in remote regions, the true extent of the disaster remains uncertain.
In Bangkok, rescuers worked through the night to locate workers trapped under the rubble of a 30-story skyscraper that collapsed in an instant. The structure, which was under construction, was reduced to twisted metal and debris by the quake’s force.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that approximately 10 people had died, with most casualties linked to the building collapse. However, up to 100 workers remain missing at the construction site near the Chatuchak weekend market, a popular destination for tourists.
“We are doing everything in our power with the resources available because every life matters,” Chadchart stated at the scene. “Our priority is to act as quickly as possible to save as many as we can,” he added.
In response to the disaster, Bangkok city authorities have announced plans to deploy more than 100 engineers to assess structural safety across the city after receiving over 2,000 damage reports.