The death toll from Myanmar’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake has climbed to 144, with 732 injured, according to the country’s military government. The hardest-hit areas include Mandalay and the capital, Naypyidaw.
Rescue teams in Mandalay warn the number could rise further. Many remain trapped under collapsed buildings. The quake’s epicenter was near Sagaing, central Myanmar, where 18 deaths were reported. Naypyidaw saw 96 fatalities, while Mandalay recorded 30.
Local media called it Myanmar’s strongest quake since 1946, when a similar 7.6–7.7 magnitude tremor struck the same fault line. The disaster adds strain to a country already grappling with political instability since the 2021 military coup. Aid efforts face hurdles due to restricted information flow.
Emergency Measures and International Response
Myanmar’s junta declared a state of emergency in six regions and requested global humanitarian aid. The World Health Organization (WHO) activated its emergency response system, mobilizing medical supplies from its Dubai logistics hub.
Margaret Harris, a WHO spokesperson, said Geneva-based teams are coordinating aid, prioritizing trauma kits and bone-stabilization gear. Lessons from the 2023 Turkey-Syria quake are guiding preparations.
Thailand’s Advisory
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, citing Myanmar’s embassy alerts, warned of possible aftershocks (6–7 magnitude within 48 hours, 4–5 within a week). It urged Thai nationals in Myanmar to stock emergency supplies for three days and keep cash and documents ready.
