144 dead in Myanmar after massive earthquake, buildings collapse in Thailand

At least 144 people have been killed in Myanmar after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock, struck on Friday.

Toppling buildings, collapsing bridges, and damaging historic structures. The tremors were also felt in neighbouring Thailand, where an under-construction building collapsed, trapping over 117 people and killing eight.

State TV confirmed 144 deaths in Myanmar, with reports warning that the toll may rise as several areas remain inaccessible.

The ruling military junta in Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in several areas, and sought immediate help from nations. However, information about the extent of destruction still remains unclear. Visuals circulating on social media showed several destroyed houses and cracked roads.

The epicentre was about 17.2 km from the Myanmar city of Mandalay, which has a population of about 1.5 million.

Myanmar’s state-run MRTV reported that at least 144 people have been killed and 732 injured so far. Meanwhile, a United States government agency, after analysing the earthquake’s strength and depth, warned that the death toll could be in the thousands, with severe economic losses.

At least eight persons were killed, and dozens of workers were rescued from under the rubble of a skyscraper that was under construction in Bangkok. Around 117 people are still believed to be trapped, and a massive rescue operation is underway.

Many buildings were reportedly destroyed in the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar. Video showing people being rescued from the rubles of the collapsed buildings.

Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Sagaing, Mandalay, and the capital Naypyitaw, following a powerful earthquake on Friday. Authorities are prioritising rescue operations, but with several bridges damaged, reaching multiple affected areas — home to thousands of internally displaced people — has become a challenging task.

In the Mandalay Region, a tea shop collapsed, leaving several people trapped inside. Locals informed the news agency that they were unable to enter due to the “very bad” situation. Meanwhile, a hotel in Shan State was reduced to rubble, with reports indicating that two people had died and 20 others were trapped.

In the Thai capital, panic-stricken people rushed onto the streets, including hotel guests in bathrobes and swimwear, as water poured down from an elevated pool at a luxury hotel. The Stock Exchange of Thailand suspended all trading activities for the Friday afternoon session, and metro services in the city were also disrupted.

Tremors were also felt in several parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram, though no casualties have been reported so far. Similarly, strong tremors were experienced in southwest China’s Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar, but no casualties have been reported there either, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.

Mild tremors were also felt in Kolkata, Imphal and Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills district. However, according to official sources, there were no reports of damage to property or loss of life in the city due to the tremor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed concern over the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, and said India stands ready to offer all possible assistance to the two countries. “India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand,” he said.