The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand has surpassed 1,000, with rescuers tirelessly digging through rubble in search of survivors. The 7.7-magnitude quake hit north-west of the city of Sagaing in central Myanmar on Saturday afternoon, followed by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock minutes later.
The tremor caused widespread destruction across Myanmar, particularly in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. Buildings collapsed, bridges were downed, and roads buckled, leaving communities in chaos. “We need aid,” said Thar Aye, a 68-year-old resident of Mandalay. “We don’t have enough of anything.”
As of the latest reports, at least 1,007 people have been confirmed dead, with nearly 2,400 injured and 30 more still missing. The quake also claimed at least 10 lives in Bangkok. However, with communication lines severely disrupted, the full extent of the damage remains unclear, and authorities fear the toll will rise as more affected areas are reached.
In Mandalay, more than 90 people are feared trapped under the collapsed Sky Villa Condominium, where several floors pancaked on top of each other. Rescuers are working tirelessly to free survivors, as hopes of finding more victims alive begin to fade with each passing hour.
