Following the deadly earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, both countries are now surveying the widespread wreckage left in its wake. The quake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, caused significant destruction, particularly in certain areas where buildings were flattened and numerous lives were lost.
The death toll in Myanmar swiftly climbed to 1,644 by Sunday, with an additional 3,408 individuals injured and 139 still missing. In Thailand, the greater Bangkok area bore the brunt of the earthquake, resulting in 18 fatalities, 33 injuries, and 78 people reported missing as of Sunday.
Authorities are currently evaluating the extent of the damage, although a comprehensive assessment is still pending. Nonetheless, a clearer picture is emerging as the affected regions come into focus.
Myanmar is situated along the major Sagaing Fault, which marks the boundary between the India and Sunda tectonic plates. The destruction caused by the earthquake spans across a wide swath of the country, affecting areas such as Mandalay, the nation’s second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million, located near the quake’s epicenter.
Critical infrastructure, including the historic Ava Bridge, Mandalay University, and various heritage sites, has been severely impacted. Reports indicate significant damage in regions such as Sagaing, Naypyidaw, Magway, Bago, and Shan State, with ongoing telecommunication outages complicating emergency response efforts.
The Red Cross has issued an emergency appeal for 100 million Swiss francs ($113.3 million) to aid 100,000 individuals across 20,000 households over the next two years. Efforts are underway to assist those affected and begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding in the wake of this devastating event.
