The death toll from the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has risen to 694, with 1,670 people injured, the country’s military junta confirmed on Saturday, as reported by CNN. The figures account only for the Mandalay region, near the epicenter of the quake, where 68 people remain missing.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the final death toll could exceed 10,000, issuing a red alert for “high casualties and extensive damage.” Myanmar’s military has appealed for international assistance to cope with the massive destruction caused by the earthquake on Friday.
The powerful tremors were felt across the region, from rural villages caught in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war to the high-rises of Bangkok, Thailand’s capital. The shaking even extended into China’s Yunnan province.
At least 14 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial quake, according to an interactive map on the USGS website. The strongest aftershock, measuring 6.7 in magnitude, struck just 10 minutes after the main quake. Two significant tremors—4.9 and 6.7 magnitude—occurred about 20 miles from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, which has suffered significant damage.
The earthquake’s effects extended to Thailand, where at least 10 people were killed, 16 injured, and 101 reported missing. Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej confirmed that three construction sites in the city suffered severe damage, including the collapse of a 30-story government building.
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported damage across 10 provinces, including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Phrae. Two additional quakes were detected in Mae Hong Son province, with magnitudes of 4.1 and 2.0.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra urged the public to remain calm and follow official updates to prevent misinformation and panic. The government is still assessing the full extent of the damage.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed deep concern over the impact on children and families in Myanmar and Thailand. In a statement on X, UNICEF announced that its teams on the ground are assessing the situation and preparing humanitarian aid for affected communities.
As aftershocks continue and rescue efforts persist, authorities fear the toll of the disaster may rise further.
