A catastrophic earthquake registering 7.9 on the Richter scale hit central Myanmar on March 28, with a depth of 30 kilometers.
The vibrations were intensely felt in Yangon, prompting emergency proclamations across six regions. Initial data from the Hong Kong Observatory rated the quake at 7.3 in magnitude, later adjusted to 7.6.
The devastation has led to extensive destruction, including the failure of numerous structures in Thailand, where a construction site in Bangkok also experienced structural collapse, resulting in over 2,000 reports of damaged properties.
By midday, Myanmar’s disaster management officials confirmed that the earthquake has caused 2,056 deaths, nearly 3,900 injuries, and approximately 270 individuals reported missing. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that the casualty count could exceed 10,000, marking this as one of the strongest earthquakes to strike the area in a century. Meanwhile, Thailand has documented 19 fatalities, with 75 still unaccounted for.
Reports also suggest that three Chinese citizens have lost their lives and 14 others have been injured due to the tremor. Eyewitness testimonials from educators in Mandalay portray the pandemonium as children screamed during the tremors, with urgent calls for relief efforts.
In Thailand, the death toll from the construction site collapse has risen to 12, with rescue teams persistently searching for survivors. As the nation grieves, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha visited the disaster site, and signs of life have been detected among the rubble.
In a display of solidarity, Myanmar has proclaimed March 31 to April 6 as a national mourning period, lowering flags to commemorate the victims. Chinese rescue teams have successfully rescued survivors and continue to extend assistance in the aftermath of this tragic incident.