NAYPIDAW: A devastating earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life. While Myanmar has officially confirmed only 140 deaths, reports suggest that the actual toll could exceed 1,000. In Thailand, fewer than ten fatalities have been confirmed so far.

In Myanmar, most of the casualties are people trapped under collapsed buildings. Rescuers have managed to save around 800 injured individuals. At the country’s largest hospital, which has a capacity of 1,000 beds, 20 people have been reported dead. In response to the disaster, Myanmar’s military government has declared a state of emergency.

Five cities in Myanmar have suffered severe damage. Buildings, bridges, and places of worship have collapsed. With power and internet services disrupted, the country is now largely cut off. In Mandalay, a historic Buddhist landmark, the ancient palace wall, has crumbled. The Yangon-Mandalay Expressway has also been severely affected, with two bridges collapsing, bringing transportation to a halt.

The earthquake caused destruction in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, a city that attracts many tourists, including Indians. A 30-story building under construction collapsed, trapping 81 workers inside.

Panic spread as people ran into the streets for safety. In a luxury hotel, water from an elevated rooftop pool dramatically poured down as the tremors struck. Tourists fled in fear, seeking safety.

The epicenter of the quake was near Myanmar’s second-largest city, Mandalay, but the tremors were powerful enough to be felt across the border in Thailand.

The earthquake’s effects were also felt in India, China, Vietnam, Laos, and Malaysia (particularly in Penang, Kedah, and Kelantan). However, there were no reports of casualties or significant damage in these regions.

Tremors in India
Mild aftershocks were experienced in several Indian cities, including Delhi, Noida, Kolkata (West Bengal), and Imphal (Manipur). No casualties were reported. In Kolkata, video footage surfaced showing picture frames shaking on walls. The tremors were also felt in Thangal Bazaar, an area with old multi-story buildings in Imphal. Other affected areas in Uttar Pradesh included Mathura, Agra, Meerut, Saharanpur, and Moradabad.

Earthquake details (Richter scale readings)
Magnitude: 7.7
Epicenter: 17.2 km from Mandalay, Myanmar
Depth: 10 km below the Earth's surface

Time of Occurrence:
Indian Time: 11:50 AM
Local Time: 12:50 PM

India offers support
"India is offering all possible assistance. I have instructed the concerned authorities to remain prepared."
— Prime Minister Narendra Modi