29.03.2025 07:20
The Asian country Myanmar was shaken by earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.4. In addition to Myanmar, the earthquakes also affected Thailand and China, with the death toll reaching 1,002 and the number of injured rising to 2,376. The military government announced that 68 people are still missing. There are concerns that the toll of the destruction caused by the earthquakes may worsen.
According to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), two consecutive earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.4 on the Richter scale were recorded approximately 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, north of the capital Naypyidaw.
The earthquakes occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometers.
THE EARTHQUAKE WAS FELT IN MANY REGIONS
According to a report by Myanmar Now, the earthquake was felt in the country's second-largest city, Mandalay, as well as in the nearby regions of Kyaukse, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Shwebo.
Eyewitnesses reported that a bridge collapsed in Sagaing and noted that many temples and houses in Naypyidaw were damaged.
BRIDGES AND ROADS COLLAPSED
The epicenter of the earthquake caused damage to the highways in Myanmar. It was reported that bridges and infrastructure facilities were damaged.
It is also stated that the dams in the region may have been damaged.
It was announced that there were deaths and injuries following the collapse of a mosque. Many buildings suffered severe damage.
The military junta, which controls the country in Myanmar, has requested international aid. A call for blood donations was made due to the large number of injured.
The strong earthquake measuring 7.7 also caused damage in Thailand, India, and China.
STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED
Additionally, the military administration announced that a state of emergency has been declared in six regions, including Naypyidaw and Mandalay. The area where the earthquake occurred has been the scene of conflicts between the military and various groups.
THE EARTHQUAKE ALSO HIT THAILAND
The Thai Ministry of Defense stated that three people died in a building that collapsed due to the earthquake, and 90 people are unaccounted for.
Following the earthquake that struck Myanmar, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared the country a "disaster area."
Authorities in Bangkok reported receiving approximately 170 reports regarding damaged buildings, and it was announced that railway services have been suspended until tomorrow.
While the situation in the country is said to be under control, warnings are being issued regarding aftershocks.
THE TOLL IS RISING
The information team of the military administration in Myanmar made a statement regarding the earthquakes that occurred yesterday in the country.
The statement noted that, according to initial assessments, 694 people have died, more than 1,670 people have been injured, and 68 people are still missing.
Two earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.4 occurred near the Sagaing region in central Myanmar.
While the earthquakes caused significant destruction in the country, there are concerns about the rising death toll.
RED CROSS IS CONCERNED
Marie Manrique, Program Coordinator of the Myanmar Country Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), stated that they are very concerned about the "potential humanitarian impact" of the earthquakes that occurred in Myanmar.
Manrique participated online in the weekly press briefing of the UN Office in Geneva to provide assessments.
Manrique noted that the major earthquakes that occurred today in Myanmar were felt in many parts of the country as well as in neighboring countries Thailand, China, and India, emphasizing that they had to evacuate the building they were in.
Manrique pointed out that many buildings, roads, and bridges, including public infrastructure, have been damaged in the earthquakes.
She reported that the Myanmar Red Cross teams have activated their emergency response and that they will begin to obtain clear information about the impact of the earthquake after some time.
Manrique stated, "We are very concerned about the potential humanitarian impact of the earthquakes. Most commercial phone lines are not working."
She noted that Myanmar has long been struggling with various crises, and the earthquakes will affect those who are already vulnerable due to the prolonged crisis even more.