At least six people have died following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The tremors, which also shook neighboring countries, have left significant damage in their wake, and the toll is expected to rise as further reports come in from Myanmar and Thailand.
The earthquake, which hit on Friday, has caused at least three fatalities in Myanmar’s town of Taungoo, located over 200 miles from the epicenter. Eyewitnesses reported that a mosque partially collapsed during prayers, killing three people instantly.
In Thailand, the earthquake claimed three more lives in Bangkok when a 30-story building under construction collapsed. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that 81 people were trapped in the rubble after the collapse, heightening concerns over the growing death toll.
Both Myanmar and Thailand are facing widespread damage, with buildings and infrastructure severely impacted. The Red Cross reported significant destruction in Myanmar, including damage to roads, bridges, and public buildings. There are also growing concerns over the stability of large-scale dams in the affected areas.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has stated that they are working to assess the full extent of the damage, particularly in Mandalay State, Nay Pyi Taw, and several other regions in Myanmar. The agency is focusing on understanding the scale of the disaster and the immediate needs of those affected.
As rescue efforts continue, authorities are bracing for further casualties as the impact of the quake becomes clearer.
