A powerful earthquake shook central Myanmar yesterday, collapsing buildings and leaving at least 50 dead. Rescue teams warn the toll could climb into the hundreds.
Buildings crumble in historic cities
The 7.7 magnitude quake struck near Sagaing, north of Mandalay. Footage shows cracked roads, fallen bridges, and toppled pagodas. Mandalay and Naypyidaw saw the worst damage.
Local media called it Myanmar’s strongest quake since 1946 – when a similar 7.6 magnitude tremor hit the same fault line. Over 300 people suffered injuries so far.
Emergency response underway
- Myanmar’s military government declared emergencies in six regions
- International aid requested as hospitals overflow
- WHO activating emergency medical supplies from Dubai
“This poses severe health risks,” said WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris. Teams are preparing bone fixation kits and essential medicines based on lessons from the 2023 Turkey-Syria quake.
Political chaos complicates relief
The disaster hits as Myanmar remains unstable following the 2021 military coup. Information remains scarce as aftershocks continue – including potential 6.0+ tremors this week.