LIVE UPDATES | Myanmar-Thailand Quake Toll Crosses 1000, Over 2000 Injured

The earthquake wreaked havoc across vast areas of Myanmar, toppling buildings, collapsing bridges, and buckling roads.

The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, has climbed to over 1,000, as rescue teams race against time to locate survivors buried beneath the rubble.
The powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit northwest of Sagaing, a city in central Myanmar, early on Saturday afternoon, followed just minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock.

The earthquake wreaked havoc across vast areas of Myanmar, toppling buildings, collapsing bridges, and buckling roads. The city of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with over 1.7 million residents, was among the hardest hit.

The destruction was so widespread that it severely damaged healthcare facilities and emergency response systems, already weakened by four years of civil war following a military coup.

Rescue workers in Mandalay are facing significant challenges due to the sheer scale of devastation. An ancient Buddhist pagoda, standing for centuries, now lies in ruins, and entire neighbourhoods have been reduced to piles of concrete and debris. A resident told AFP that both a hospital and a hotel were completely destroyed, and the city is in dire need of rescue personnel.

According to the ruling junta, at least 1,002 people have died in Myanmar alone, with nearly 2,400 injured. In neighbouring Thailand, around 10 fatalities have been confirmed in the capital, Bangkok.

Disrupted communication lines and isolated communities make data collection difficult. Officials warn that the death toll could rise significantly as more information emerges.

In the capital city of Naypyidaw, overwhelmed medical staff were forced to treat patients outdoors due to extensive building damage. One official described the situation as a “mass casualty area,” while exhausted healthcare workers struggled to provide care. The junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, issued an exceptionally rare appeal for international aid, highlighting the catastrophe’s severity.

This is an unprecedented move from Myanmar’s military government, which has historically been reluctant to accept foreign assistance, even after major natural disasters. The country has since declared a state of emergency across the six worst-affected regions as the desperate search for survivors continues.

Countries around the world have begun offering assistance. United States President Donald Trump expressed his intention to help, describing the quake as “terrible” and pledging support to Myanmar’s military leaders. France, India, and the European Union have also offered their aid, while the World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing trauma injury supplies.

India has already dispatched a humanitarian aid flight to Myanmar. The Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft carried 15 tonnes of relief material, including tents, blankets, solar lamps, medical supplies, water purifiers, and food parcels. A search and rescue team and a medical unit also accompanied the flight, demonstrating India’s commitment to supporting its neighbour in this time of crisis.

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that more aid would follow as the situation develops. Photographs of the relief efforts were shared on social media, depicting the meticulous packing and loading of supplies onto the aircraft.

Geologists have identified the quake as the strongest to hit Myanmar in decades, with its shallow epicentre causing intense ground shaking over a wide area. Tremors were felt hundreds of kilometres away in Bangkok, where buildings sustained damage despite the considerable distance from the epicentre.

While Myanmar bore the brunt of the disaster, damage was also reported in Thailand, where the quake’s force was sufficient to crack structures and unnerve residents. The geological community has warned of potential aftershocks and urged caution as the region grapples with the aftermath.

As Myanmar faces one of its worst natural disasters in modern history, the international community has begun to rally behind the nation. The appeal for foreign aid marks a pivotal moment, reflecting the severity of the crisis and the necessity of global solidarity.

The situation remains dire, with survivors still trapped under collapsed structures and rescue teams working tirelessly to reach them. Humanitarian organisations are mobilising resources, while families anxiously await news of their loved ones.

In a country already suffering from political instability and civil conflict, this disaster has compounded the challenges faced by Myanmar’s people. As the death toll continues to rise, the world watches with hope that collective efforts will alleviate the suffering and rebuild shattered lives.

Also Read: 7.7 Quake Rocks Myanmar and Thailand, Scary Videos Emerge

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