A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, killing at least 144 people and leaving more than 730 others injured, according to the country’s military government.
A powerful 6.4-magnitude aftershock followed, with tremors felt across Thailand and parts of China. Officials reported that the earthquake caused buildings to collapse even hundreds of miles away in Thailand.
At least three fatalities have been recorded in Myanmar’s capital, where emergency responders are scrambling to rescue 81 people trapped under the rubble of an under-construction high-rise.
Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest nations, continues to struggle with the aftermath of the 2021 military coup, which has fueled a civil war and weakened its infrastructure. The country is ill-equipped to handle major natural disasters, and large areas remain under the control of various militias, making it difficult to obtain accurate reports. Additionally, the military frequently cuts communications in conflict zones, further complicating relief efforts.
CNN
