Powerful Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Death Toll Expected to Rise

A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Myanmar on Friday, leaving widespread destruction and chaos in its wake. The initial death toll stands at over 140, but officials warn that this number is likely to grow in the coming days. In neighboring Thailand, at least 10 people were killed and 16 injured in Bangkok, where a high-rise building under construction collapsed.

The earthquake struck at midday, with its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city. Aftershocks followed, including a strong 6.4 magnitude quake. Myanmar is located in an active earthquake belt, although many earthquakes occur in sparsely populated areas.

According to Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar's military government, at least 144 people were killed and 730 others injured in the country. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the death toll could top 1,000.

In Mandalay, multiple buildings collapsed, including one of the city's largest monasteries. Rescue crews in the capital city of Naypyidaw pulled victims from the rubble of multiple buildings used to house civil servants. Myanmar's government has reported a high demand for blood in the hardest-hit areas.

In a rare move, Myanmar's government has announced that it is ready to accept foreign aid. The United Nations has allocated $5 million to start relief efforts, and President Donald Trump has pledged U.S. support for the response.

However, concerns have been raised about the challenges of reaching affected areas, particularly in a country embroiled in a civil war and with tightly controlled information. "We fear it may be weeks before we understand the full extent of destruction caused by this earthquake," said Mohammed Riyas, the International Rescue Committee's Myanmar director.

In Thailand, the earthquake caused widespread damage and panic in Bangkok. A 33-story building under construction crumpled, and onlookers captured the chaotic scene on social media. "It's a great tragedy," said Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit.

The earthquake was also felt in China's Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, causing damage and injuries in the city of Ruili on the border with Myanmar.