A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region has claimed at least 144 lives and injured 732 others, according to an official address by junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on Friday. The military ruler also warned that the death toll may rise due to extensive infrastructure collapse and ongoing rescue challenges.
In a nationally televised plea, Min Aung Hlaing appealed for international humanitarian assistance, stating, "The earthquake centered in Mandalay has left devastating damage, and we are calling on the global community for aid."
The seismic event sent shockwaves beyond Myanmar’s borders. In neighboring Thailand, at least six people were killed, and 117 others remain trapped or missing after a skyscraper collapsed in Bangkok. The US Geological Survey confirmed that the initial 7.7-magnitude quake was followed by a 6.4 aftershock just 12 minutes later, compounding the destruction.
With search and rescue operations still underway in both countries, regional and international agencies are being urged to mobilize quickly to provide emergency relief to the thousands affected by the catastrophe.