The official death toll in Myanmar has climbed to 1,644 following Friday’s powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, one of the most destructive in the region’s recent history. According to Digi24, international rescue teams are arriving as the country grapples with widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis.
The quake, which struck early Friday near the city of Sagaing, destroyed critical infrastructure across central Myanmar, including roads, bridges, and airports. Neighboring Thailand was also affected, with at least nine confirmed deaths in Bangkok, where a 33-story building under construction collapsed.
Survivors dig with bare hands, aid trickles in
In the worst-hit areas such as Mandalay, survivors and local volunteers used bare hands and rudimentary tools to pull people from the rubble. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that damaged roads are severely limiting access to affected zones, complicating relief efforts.
Hospitals are overwhelmed, and Myanmar’s international airports in Naypyitaw and Mandalay remain closed. The US Geological Survey warned that the death toll could surpass 10,000, and the financial toll may exceed Myanmar’s annual GDP.
Amid the devastation, aid is beginning to reach the country. China has pledged nearly $14 million in emergency supplies, including tents, blankets, and medical kits. India has sent military aircraft and naval ships carrying humanitarian cargo, and the United States has confirmed limited assistance despite strained ties with the Myanmar junta.
Global response to a deepening disaster
Rescue teams from Russia, Singapore, and Malaysia have also landed in Yangon, and more international efforts are expected in the coming days. In Bangkok, recovery teams are still searching for survivors in the collapsed skyscraper, with 47 people feared trapped.
An initial assessment by Myanmar’s opposition government indicated nearly 3,000 buildings were damaged, along with several key roads and bridges. With electricity and communications disrupted in several regions, authorities warn that conditions may worsen if aid does not arrive quickly.
The Myanmar military government has yet to provide a comprehensive public response, but the rare request for international help underscores the scale of the crisis.
