The death toll from Myanmar’s devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake has exceeded 1,000, with the number expected to rise further as more bodies are pulled from the rubble of collapsed buildings, authorities confirmed on Saturday.
The military-led government stated that at least 1,002 people had perished, while 2,376 others sustained injuries.
A further 30 individuals remain unaccounted for.
The authorities warned that the toll could still increase as rescue and relief operations continue in the disaster-hit region.
The earthquake struck on Friday afternoon, with its epicentre near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city.
Several strong aftershocks followed, including one measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale, further compounding the devastation.
The tremors caused buildings to collapse, roads to buckle, and bridges to cave in, while also triggering the failure of a dam.
Myanmar is already grappling with a prolonged civil war, making relief efforts challenging.
The ongoing conflict has hindered movement across the country, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Neighbouring Thailand also felt the impact of the tremors, particularly in the greater Bangkok area, home to 17 million people.
The earthquake led to fatalities and destruction, including the collapse of a 33-storey high-rise under construction by a Chinese firm for the Thai government.
Also read: 694 killed in Myanmar quake, India sends humanitarian aid
Bangkok authorities reported six deaths, 26 injuries, and 47 people missing, primarily at a construction site near the bustling Chatuchak market.
Heavy machinery has been deployed to clear the debris, but hopes of finding survivors are fading.
“I was praying that they had survived but when I got here and saw the ruin — where could they be? In which corner? Are they still alive? I am still praying that all six are alive,” said Naruemol Thonglek, 45, whose partner and five friends, all construction workers, remain trapped.
Another anxious relative, Waenphet Panta, has not heard from her daughter since shortly before the earthquake.
“I am praying my daughter is safe, that she has survived and that she’s at the hospital,” she said, as her husband sat beside her in distress.
Myanmar’s government has appealed for blood donations in the worst-affected areas and announced that the country is open to receiving international aid.
A 37-member rescue team from China’s Yunnan province arrived in Yangon on Saturday with drones, earthquake detectors, and emergency supplies.
Meanwhile, India delivered relief material to Myanmar on Saturday in response to the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Friday.
India's Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, formally handed over the aid to Yangon's Chief Minister, U Soe Thein.
In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Operation Brahma: India hands over relief material to Myanmar. The first consignment was formally presented to Chief Minister of Yangon, U Soe Thein, by Ambassador Abhay Thakur in Yangon today."
On the other hand, Russia has dispatched two aircraft carrying 120 rescuers and supplies, while India has deployed a search-and-rescue contingent, a medical team, and essential provisions.
Malaysia’s foreign ministry confirmed that a team of 50 personnel would be sent on Sunday to assist in identifying and aiding the worst-hit areas.
The United Nations has allocated $5 million to kickstart relief efforts.
US President Donald Trump pledged assistance, though concerns have arisen regarding the effectiveness of the response, given his administration’s extensive cuts to foreign aid.
Budget reductions to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have already forced humanitarian groups to scale back operations in Myanmar, worsening the crisis.
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