Yangon – The death toll from the magnitude 1.000 earthquake that struck Myanmar has risen to more than 7.7, with the number set to rise further as emergency crews continue to excavate the rubble.
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Authorities, in an official statement, confirmed 1.002 deaths, 2.376 injured and 30 missing, but the data could only be provisional: "We are still collecting detailed information," government sources admitted.
A tragedy aggravated by the conflict
The country, already devastated by a long and bloody civil war, is now facing a catastrophe within a catastrophe. Difficulties in movement, due to armed conflict and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, are hampering relief efforts, fueling fears that the number of victims could soar further.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located not far from Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest city. The violent tremors caused the collapse of buildings, bridges and roads, as well as the rupture of a dam, resulting in flooding. Several aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 6.4, worsened the situation, leaving entire communities isolated.
Effects beyond the border: panic in Bangkok, a skyscraper collapses
The earthquake was also felt in neighboring Thailand, where the tremors shook Bangkok, a metropolis of 17 million people. Local authorities reported six dead, 6 injured and 26 missing, many of them trapped in a collapsed construction site near Chatuchak market.
One of the most dramatic episodes occurred in the heart of the Thai capital, where a 33-story skyscraper, built by a Chinese company for the government, swayed dangerously before crashing to the ground in a cloud of dust. Today, as heavy vehicles work to clear away the rubble, hope is fading among the relatives of the missing victims.
Challenge against time
With aftershocks continuing and infrastructure destroyed, rescuers are racing against time to reach the worst-hit areas. But in a war-torn country with severed communications, every passing hour risks meaning more lives lost
Article published on March 29, 2025 - 09pm
It is truly a tragedy what is happening in Myanmar. There are so many victims and it seems that the situation is not improving. There have also been collapses in Thailand, we hope that the rescuers can do what they can.