A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has left approximately 1,700 people dead, over 3,400 injured, and more than 300 still missing.
The powerful quake caused widespread destruction, leveling buildings, damaging roads and bridges, and leaving several cities in ruins. Myanmar’s military government confirmed the extent of the devastation on Sunday as rescue operations continued.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, leader of the ruling junta, expressed concern that the death toll could increase as emergency teams work to locate survivors.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies highlighted the growing humanitarian crisis, warning of worsening conditions due to rising temperatures and the approaching monsoon season.
“The destruction has been extensive, and humanitarian needs are growing by the hour,” the organization stated. “With the monsoon season just weeks away, it is crucial to stabilize affected communities before further crises emerge.”
The earthquake’s impact was felt beyond Myanmar, sending tremors across neighboring Thailand and China.
The disaster comes amid ongoing political instability in Myanmar, which has deepened since the military ousted Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021.
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