The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck central Myanmar has risen to 1,644, the country’s military leaders confirmed on Saturday. The earthquake, which hit on Friday near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, has left vast destruction in its wake, with emergency responders racing against time to find survivors.
Authorities fear the numbers could increase significantly. A model by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has projected that fatalities may exceed 10,000.
Even as Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, the military junta has continued its attacks in various parts of the country. According to the BBC, airstrikes have been reported in the war-torn region. The United Nations has condemned these actions, calling them “completely outrageous and unacceptable.”
One such attack occurred in Naungcho, located in northern Shan state. BBC Burmese confirmed that at least seven people lost their lives in an airstrike around 15:30 local time, occurring less than three hours after the earthquake struck.
In response to the tragedy, several countries and international organizations have mobilized aid to assist Myanmar in its relief efforts:
Rescue operations are in full swing as emergency workers, volunteers, and international aid agencies work tirelessly to locate survivors amid the rubble. With each passing hour, the urgency grows as those trapped face dwindling chances of survival.
Also Read: Myanmar Earthquake: 1,644 Dead As Global Aid Arrives; Rebel Forces Halt Attacks
Our live coverage of the Myanmar earthquake has concluded for today. Stay updated on the rescue efforts here, or browse through the updates below.
Thai officials have raised the death toll from the Bangkok earthquake to 18, up from the previously reported 17.
Authorities confirmed that at least 11 people died when a 30-storey skyscraper collapsed near Chatuchak Market, a popular tourist destination.
Rescue teams are still searching for survivors under the debris, with at least 76 people still trapped. Operations have now entered their third day, utilizing drones and sniffer dogs to locate those missing. Several dozen others have been reported injured.
Crematoriums in Mandalay are struggling to handle the surge in bodies following Friday’s devastating earthquake, which has killed at least 1,700 people, according to a report by Myanmar Now. Major cemeteries, including Kyanikan, Taung-Inn, and Myauk-Inn, have been overwhelmed in the city of 1.5 million people. As a result, some grieving families have resorted to cremating their loved ones outside designated burial grounds, with some reportedly performing cremations in the streets. A resident at one cremation site revealed that over 300 bodies were cremated yesterday, while more than 200 had already been processed this morning. Mandalay's crematoriums reach breaking point as earthquake death...
Myanmar’s ruling junta has updated the earthquake death toll to approximately 1,700, with about 3,400 injured and 300 people still missing, according to a statement released today.
The death toll is expected to rise further as rescue operations continue. Earlier, military officials had reported at least 1,600 fatalities and over 3,400 injuries following Friday’s devastating earthquake.
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