Deadly 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Myanmar, Leaving Over 140 Dead and Hundreds Injured

At least 144 people have been confirmed dead and over 730 others injured following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday. The quake, which also triggered a 6.4-magnitude aftershock, sent shockwaves not only across Myanmar but also through neighboring Thailand and parts of China.

According to officials from Myanmar’s military government, the earthquake caused widespread destruction, collapsing buildings as far away as Thailand. Tragically, at least three fatalities have been reported in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, where authorities are racing to rescue 81 people believed to be trapped under the rubble of an under-construction high-rise building.

Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest nations, is already facing severe challenges due to an ongoing civil war triggered by a military coup in 2021. The country’s fragile infrastructure, coupled with the disruption caused by the ongoing conflict, has severely hampered the government’s ability to respond effectively to natural disasters. Furthermore, the military has been known to regularly cut communications in conflict areas, complicating efforts to gather reliable information.

This tragedy has underscored Myanmar’s vulnerability in the face of natural disasters, particularly as the nation continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of its internal conflict. As search and rescue operations continue, the country’s weak infrastructure and political turmoil are proving to be significant obstacles in providing timely and efficient aid to those in need.