A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, at 12:50 p.m., shaking buildings and sending tremors throughout the region. The earthquake caused chaos in Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread damage. At least 20 people were confirmed dead in Myanmar, while three more fatalities were reported in Bangkok, Thailand.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at a depth of 9.97 kilometers. The epicenter of the earthquake was located 16 kilometers from Mandalay, a major city in central Myanmar with a population of 1.2 million people. Just 12 minutes after the initial quake, a 6.4-magnitude aftershock struck 18 kilometers south of Sagaing, intensifying the destruction across the affected regions.

Tremors Collapse Buildings and Cause Widespread Chaos

The powerful earthquake caused significant damage in both Myanmar and Thailand. Buildings collapsed, roads cracked open, and bridges fell in the immediate aftermath of the quake. In Mandalay, several key structures were damaged, including parts of the royal palace and other public buildings. Footage from the scene showed a bridge collapsing into the Irrawaddy River between the cities of Ava and Sagaing, while other videos depicted roads buckling and crumbling under the force of the tremors.

In Thailand, the tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, where a high-rise building collapsed, tragically killing three people who were inside at the time of the earthquake. The tremors were felt across the capital, but the collapse of the building highlighted the serious nature of the earthquake’s impact.

Hospitals Overwhelmed by Casualties

In Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, the earthquake severely damaged the main hospital’s emergency department. The entrance of the hospital pancaked onto a car parked below, leaving the facility in disarray. Doctors and medical staff were forced to treat patients outside the building on stretchers. In the chaos, some patients were treated while lying on the ground, as hospital staff suspended IV drips from gurneys in the open air. Relatives and loved ones stood by, comforting those who were injured or too weak to move.

As rescue efforts continued across the affected areas, hospitals in Mandalay, Sagaing, and other cities were overwhelmed with casualties. The earthquake caused severe injuries to many people, while others were trapped under collapsed buildings. Medical teams worked tirelessly to treat the injured, but the scale of the disaster meant that hospitals were soon operating at full capacity. Some patients were treated outdoors due to the damage sustained by medical facilities.

Sagaing Fault Identified as the Source of the Quake

Experts quickly identified the Sagaing Fault as the source of the earthquake. This fault is one of Myanmar’s most active and runs for more than 1,200 kilometers through the country. The Sagaing Fault is known for producing frequent seismic activity, making Myanmar a hotspot for large earthquakes. The Earth Observatory of Singapore explained that the fault stores stress over time, which eventually releases in the form of powerful quakes like the one that struck on Friday.

The Sagaing Fault has a high slip rate, meaning it has a higher likelihood of generating strong earthquakes. As a result, Myanmar faces regular seismic threats, and the region is known for its vulnerability to earthquakes. The latest tremor serves as a stark reminder of the region’s seismic activity and the need for preparedness in the face of future earthquakes.

Myanmar Faces Frequent Earthquakes, Thailand Rarely Affected

Myanmar is no stranger to earthquakes. The country has recorded over 14 major quakes of magnitude 6 or higher in the last century. Earthquakes are a common threat in Myanmar, with the country’s location along multiple fault lines making it prone to seismic activity. In contrast, Thailand rarely experiences major earthquakes. Most of the tremors that are felt in Thailand are caused by seismic events that occur in neighboring Myanmar. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday marked one of the largest and most destructive quakes to impact the region in recent years.

While Thailand’s buildings and infrastructure are not typically designed to withstand large earthquakes, the country’s occasional exposure to tremors from neighboring Myanmar has led to increased awareness and preparedness. However, the tragic collapse of the high-rise in Bangkok has underscored the need for stronger building codes and disaster response measures in regions that are not accustomed to such large-scale seismic events.

Rescue Operations and Global Aid Efforts

As rescue operations continue across Myanmar and Thailand, international aid and assistance are expected to arrive in the coming days. Governments, humanitarian organizations, and local agencies are working together to provide essential aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, to those affected by the earthquake. Search and rescue teams are also being deployed to locate survivors trapped under the rubble.

In Myanmar, the government has declared a state of emergency in the worst-hit areas and has appealed for international support to aid in recovery efforts. Local authorities are working alongside rescue teams to clear debris and assist those in need. In Thailand, authorities have also mobilized emergency teams to assess the damage and provide aid to the victims of the building collapse.

The road to recovery for Myanmar and Thailand will be long and challenging. The earthquake has left thousands of people injured, homeless, and grieving the loss of loved ones. While rescue operations continue, the real work will begin once the immediate aftermath is addressed. Rebuilding infrastructure, providing psychological support to survivors, and ensuring that future disasters are better managed will be crucial in the coming months.

The earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the need for disaster preparedness in earthquake-prone regions. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation and support in times of crisis.