A devastating earthquake has struck Southeast Asia, resulting in the loss of over 140 lives in Myanmar and leaving hundreds injured. In Thailand, rescuers are working tirelessly to locate numerous individuals trapped beneath the debris of a collapsed skyscraper in Bangkok. The earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale and originating in Myanmar, occurred during lunchtime and was followed by multiple aftershocks, including one measuring 6.4.
Myanmar has reported at least 144 fatalities and 732 injuries, with expectations of these numbers rising further. The city of Mandalay, the country’s second-largest, has seen significant destruction. Meanwhile, in Bangkok, an extensive rescue operation is underway at the site of a collapsed high-rise where over 110 individuals remain trapped. As of now, nine people have lost their lives due to the collapse.
Images from Myanmar depict widespread devastation, including collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and bridges. Tragedies have been reported, such as the collapse of a mosque in Tuangoo claiming three lives and a collapsed hotel in Aung Ban, resulting in two deaths and around 20 injuries. Myanmar’s military-led government has declared a state of emergency in six regions, compounding the existing humanitarian crisis caused by a prolonged civil war that erupted following a coup in 2021.
Requests for international aid have been made by Myanmar’s military government spokesperson, Zaw Min Tun, urging neighboring countries to lend support and calling for blood donations to address the high number of injuries. International humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to provide assistance, with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies leading efforts in Myanmar.
General Min Aung Hlaing, leader of the military junta, has also sought help from the international community in the wake of the earthquake, signaling a shift from his previous reluctance to accept foreign aid. The severity of the destruction is evident, with estimates suggesting significant loss of life and economic damage. Rescue operations are ongoing, with the full extent of the damage in Myanmar yet to be fully understood.
Amnesty International’s Myanmar Researcher Joe Freeman stated that due to the military government’s stringent media and internet restrictions, a comprehensive understanding of the damage and loss in Myanmar may take some time to emerge. Freeman highlighted the contrast between the limited information from Myanmar and more coverage from Thailand, attributing this disparity to the military’s suppression of press freedom since the 2021 coup. He emphasized that Myanmar, already grappling with the effects of civil war, urgently requires humanitarian aid and called on the military to grant unrestricted access to aid organizations. Freeman described the earthquake as a further blow to Myanmar, coming at a particularly challenging period for the country.
In Thailand, the earthquake prompted school closures and building evacuations, especially in Bangkok, which was designated an “emergency zone.” Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reassured residents that the damage was contained, and the risk of aftershocks was diminishing. He declared it safe for individuals to return to their residences, noting concerns primarily with buildings under construction.
